The rapid rise of NRL grand final hero Luke Keary has continued, with the Clive Churchill Medallist named in the Australian rugby league squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand.
He replaces Cameron Munster, whose horror month has continued, withdrawing from the squad for personal reasons.
Champion: Luke Keary enjoys the Roosters' fan reception after his starring role in their grand final win.Credit:NRL Photos
Keary will now be in contention for the Auckland Tests against New Zealand on Saturday and October 20's clash with Tonga.
The Roosters five-eighth was originally named as an extra player in the squad as cover for Munster in case he was suspended for kicking Joseph Manu in the back of the head in the Roosters' 21-6 grand final win over Melbourne.
Munster escaped suspension but was fined $1400 by the match review committee over the incident.
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Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said he was disappointed to lose Munster for the two-Test tour against New Zealand and Tonga.
"It's unfortunate to lose Cameron for the next two matches but there's far more important things in life than football sometimes," Meninga said.
"We've brought Luke straight into the squad and he fully deserves the opportunity after what was a fantastic season.
"He's delivered on big occasions countless times over the past few years and I've got no doubt he'll deliver again if called upon during the next two weeks."
Munster has had a chequered history in representative squads – he was sent home from the Kangaroos' 2017 World Cup campaign amid reports of a training altercation with teammate Ben Hunt.
In 2016, he was blacklisted from State of Origin for 12 months by Queensland management after breaking curfew during an Emerging Maroons camp.
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