2 Roosters in Australian squad for World Cup

SYDNEY (AP) Center Michael Jennings and backrower Boyd Cordner were included in Australia's 24-man squad for the World Cup on Monday, the morning after helping the Sydney Roosters win the National Rugby League grand final.

Halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as most valuable player in the grand final despite Manly's 26-18 defeat to the Roosters on Sunday, is the only Sea Eagle in the squad.

Brisbane Broncos center Justin Hodges, Newcastle Knights captain Kurt Gidley and Manly backrower Anthony Watmough, who are all injured, were the only players not retained from the Australian team which beat New Zealand in April.

The Kangaroos squad will be led by Melbourne Storm hooker Cameron Smith. The squad contains 13 Queenslanders who beat New South Wales for a record eighth consecutive time in the State of Origin series this year. Cordner joins Andrew Fifita and Josh Papalii as the only uncapped players in the squad.

Australia coach Tim Sheens said the Roosters' international makeup was the main reason for so few players being chosen from the grand final winners.

"You look at how many New Zealanders are in their squad and other guys that will be playing across the World Cup, most of the Roosters squad will feature in some jersey in the World Cup," Sheens said. "With Jennings that was an obvious one for us."

Sheens said Roosters halves Mitchell Pearce and James Moloney came into squad contention, but selected opted instead for a trio of Queenslanders.

"The halves were considered as well, that was a tough call the three that we've (selected) are the incumbent that have played well. Particularly with Cherry-Evans being back-up to Cooper (Cronk) and Johnathan (Thurston), that will be an interesting contest for us during the World Cup as well because all three are in great form."

Australia opens the World Cup against England at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Oct. 26.

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Australia squad: Greg Bird, Darius Boyd, Daly Cherry-Evans, Boyd Cordner, Cooper Cronk, Robbie Farah, Andrew Fifita, Paul Gallen, Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Nate Myles, Josh Papalii, Corey Parker, Matt Scott, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith (captain), James Tamou, Brent Tate, Sam Thaiday, Jonathan Thurston.