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Australian World Cup final player ratings

Fullback: Billy Slater – Scored twice, outstanding under the high ball, ended a difficult tour on a high with a superb display. Rating: 8.

Winger: Brett Morris – Scored two tries and was lucky to avoid serious injury with his first when he collided heavily with an advertising board in the ridiculously small end-goal area. Rating: 7.

Centre: Greg Inglis – Quiet by his immaculate high standards but kept the dangerous Dean Whare firmly in check. Rating: 7.

Centre: Jarryd Hayne – Grew as the tournament progressed and impressive again after shaking off a heavy knock to the head early in the game when tackling Simon Mannering. Set up Morris’s second try with a huge breakaway run. Rating: 8.

Winger: Darius Boyd – Set up two tries with a wobbly kick and a shaky pass, but always solid in defence and a threat going forward. Rating: 7.

Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston – Simply outstanding and involved in everything. The Kiwis struggled to contain his kicking game as he dictated the pace of the game on his way to becoming the Kangaroos’ record points scorer. Rating: 9.

Halfback: Cooper Cronk – Dovetails so well with Queensland teammate Thurston, scored a try with a superb take and only denied a second by a brilliant piece of defending from Issac Luke. Rating: 8.

Prop: Matt Scott- Had a huge opening 20 minutes to put the Kangaroos on the front foot against a massive Kiwi pack. Rating: 8.

Hooker: Cameron Smith – Did little to suggest he’s not the finest player in the world. Leads from the front and his imperious kicking game was at times a joy to behold. Rating: 8.

Prop: James Tamou – Strong running game and worked well in defence. Rating: 7.

Second-row: Greg Bird – A big occasion player who outshone Sonny Bill Williams. Rating: 8.

Second-row: Sam Thaiday – Ran hard and played his part in a dominant performance from the Australian pack. Rating: 7.

Lock: Paul Gallen – Put a difficult 2013 behind him to become a World Cup winner with a big-hearted and hard-working performance. Rating: 8.

Interchange:

Andrew Fifita – A few big runs and continued his progression as one of the best props in the NRL. Rating: 7.

Josh Papalii – Did well and will be around the rep scene for a very long time to come. Rating: 7.

Daly Cherry-Evans – Didn’t get much chance to have a major impact but was steady and controlled when he was involved. Rating: 7.

Corey Parker – No frills, goes about his business in a disciplined manner the perfect player to have off the bench. Rating: 7.

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