Storm premiership-winning five-eighth Cameron Munster believes he is third in line for the green and gold No.6 jersey behind James Maloney and Michael Morgan and says he is just happy to be included in the Kangaroos 24-man squad with a chance to be around the superstar squad.
There are three genuine candidates to partner Cooper Cronk in the halves in a full-strength Australian 17; depending who that is, either Munster or Morgan would then be in line for a utility spot.
The players will have mixed trial in Fiji on October 14 then three group games against England, France and Lebanon in which Australia coach Mal Meninga has indicated every player in the 24 will get a chance to press their claims.
"I know Jimmy Maloney and Michael Morgan will be fighting for that No.6 position, I was just happy enough to be named in the squad," Munster said on Thursday.
"They've both had great years, especially Michael, he's probably only of the form players of the finals.
"James Maloney played No.6 last year in the Four Nations when Thurston was injured or the boys were getting a bit of a rest. Jimmy is probably front-runner for the jersey and Morgan is probably coming second so I don't know who's going to get it but we'll see how it goes in training and go from there."
Munster admitted his utility value was "another string to my bow" when it came to pressing for a spot in the 17 but added Morgan had the same strengths.
"I guess that [versatility] is another string to my bow, I've played fullback, played six. Some people think I could play lock, I don't know if I could play lock but we'll see how it goes," he laughed.
"The versatility might help me a bit to get that No.14 jersey but Michael Morgan is a similar position and similar player and I think he'll probably push for that jersey as well.
"I'll try and do my best in the camp and try and push for a position but I'm happy enough just to be named in the squad and just embrace what this organisation's about and train alongside some of these boys because they've done a lot in the game."
Munster's 2017 couldn't have gone much better so far – he was called up for his Origin debut and helped Queensland clinch the series in the July 12 decider and was an important player for the dominant Storm, who lost just four games all year to sweep to the 2017 title and earn Munster a premiership ring.
To cap it off with a Kangaroos debut makes it all the sweeter.
"It's obviously a proud moment for myself and my family," he said.
"I've obviously had a great 2017 season and I'm still pinching myself to see what I've done this year, to play Origin then win a Grand Final as well so to cap it off hopefully wearing the green and gold is outstanding for me," he said.
"I'm just happy enough to be named in the squad and I'll really enjoy it and take it in."
