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Here's how the Australian Kangaroos rated in their World Cup final victory over England at Brisbane Stadium.

1. Billy Slater
Had a surprisingly quiet game by his lofty standards but still looked likely when in good-ball areas. It's still hard to fathom what he's achieved given everything his body has been through over the past few years. 7/10

2. Dane Gagai
Never threatened the English line but was the only Kangaroo to run for over 200 metres. 7/10

3. Will Chambers
John Bateman found out why Chambers is regarded as the best defensive centre in the game. While he didn't have too many opportunities in attack, the Storm centre shut down his opposite number with a series of perfect reads and jolting shots. 7/10

4. Josh Dugan
Threw a pass that was intercepted but came up with a clever take in-goal from the next set to get the Aussies back on the front foot. Had plenty of work to do in defence and came up with a telling ankle tap on Kallum Watkins late in the contest. 7.5/10

5. Valentine Holmes
Had no problems making metres coming out of trouble but didn't look the same player who scored 11 tries in the previous two games. Despite putting down what should have been a regulation interception, he can still hold his head high after an incredible tournament. 6/10

6. Michael Morgan 
Played short to set up the Cordner try and had a try off his own rubbed out for obstruction. Wasn't afraid to take the line on and can be super proud after a stunning backend to the year. 7/10

7. Cooper Cronk
Copped plenty of late shots from England's big men but that didn't stop him from pinning them on their own line with some inch-perfect mid-range kicks. The Roosters-bound playmaker also broke the line with a trademark right-foot step but couldn't conjure anything magical around the ruck with his former Storm comrades. 7.5/10

8. Aaron Woods
Dominated the middle of the ruck in is first stint with 83 metres and a couple of late offloads. 7/10

9. Cameron Smith
You get the feeling Cameron Smith will look back fondly on his 2017 season. Having broken just about every record in the game, the world's best hooker added another title to his Origin and Premiership medals. He controlled the game with raking kicks and regularly got his forwards over the advantage line. 8.5/10

10. David Klemmer
Cracked triple figures with ball in hand but didn't play the big minutes he's capable of. 6/10

11. Boyd Cordner
New South Welshmen haven't had too many reasons to cheer at Suncorp Stadium but the Blues skipper was on fire with a typically courageous line powering him over for the game's only try. He was the best player on the field in the first half with over 100 metres and continued to cause headaches after the break. 9/10

12. Matt Gillett
Worked his backside off for the best part of an hour and looked threatening on a number of occasions when he cut back against the grain. 8/10

13. Josh McGuire
Got through plenty of work early in the contest and lifted several gears in his second stint with some bruising shots in defence and some tough carries through the teeth of the ruck. 7.5/10

14. Wade Graham
Came on later than expected but did the job that was asked of him. 6/10

15. Jordan McLean
Filled in admirably when the starting props were off the field. 6/10

16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Ran for 100 metres and made 27 tackles off the bench. Not bad for a bloke who broke his back last year. 7/10

17. Tyson Frizell  
The numbers didn't do his performance justice. He's as gutsy as they come. 7/10

 

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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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