Kangaroos rookies Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough have questioned the non-selection of Manly captain Matt Orford after the diminutive half-back was overlooked for World Cup selection.
The 2008 premiers will have a strong representation in Ricky Stuart's 24-man squad with David Williams, Brett Stewart, Josh Perry and Brent Kite joining Watmough and Stewart in the star-studded line-up.
But Orford's omission was the hot topic when Manly's Test debutants broke from grand-final celebrations to front the media on Tuesday.
"The form he's had this year, I don't know what more Ox has got to do, I'm a bit surprised," Glenn Stewart said.
Watmough added: "He's (Orford) done enough to definitely warrant a spot … they (the selectors) have got their plans that they want to go with and it's a shame he wasn't in it."
"I think 'Oxy' wasn't far off, he's the Dally M Medallist, the skipper, he's definitely unlucky."
Johnathan Thurston and Scott Prince are the preferred No.7's for the upcoming campaign which kicks-off against the Kiwis at the SFS on October 26.
Newcastle utility Kurt Gidley will provide cover at half-back if required.
Coach Stuart conceded the Manly skipper had done little wrong in recent weeks and said the 30-year-old's fate was discussed at length by selectors.
"Certainly his form in the grand final and form in the back end of the season has been some of his best football," Stuart said.
"I've personally spoken to Matt and talked to him about his footy game and he's a guy a saw a huge improvement from in the back end of the season in regards to handling his critics."
"And one of those (criticisms) was performing under pressure in the big games and he certainly showed us that he can do that on Sunday afternoon."
Following their tournament opener against New Zealand later this month the Kangaroos will take on England at Telstra Dome on November 2 followed by Papua New Guinea in Townsville on November 9 in Group-A clashes.