Incumbent Test halfback Brett Kimmorley took a stranglehold on the Australian No.7 jersey with a match-winning performance in Cronulla's 38-6 trouncing over North Queensland on Saturday night.

Sharks coach Stuart Raper labelled his little general "outstanding" as Kimmorley had a hand in five of his side's seven tries at Toyota Park just two days before Australian selectors announce a 22-man preliminary squad for the April 22 Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.

"Gees, if he doesn't get it I'm a poor judge and so are the rest of us," Raper said after Kimmorley's role in the 32-point romp.

"His performance out there was outstanding. I know he's sitting next to me and he's getting very embarrassed but hopefully Wayne Bennett was watching that because he should get the job."

Kimmorley's main rivals for the No.7 Test jersey are Matt Orford and Craig Gower but they will need a miracle to dethrone the 28-year-old, who combines well with five-eighth Darren Lockyer at international level.

"How do you know until they pick it?" said Kimmorley.

"I lost my job last year in the Anzac Test because we weren't winning games.

"We're probably top of the ladder now so we'll see what happens."

Cronulla's victory was its third straight and snapped North Queensland's three-game winning streak.

After five rounds the Sharks have now beaten three sides that made the 2004 preliminary finals - Penrith, the Bulldogs and the Cowboys - on the back of brutal defence, a superb kick-chase and the creativity of halves Kimmorley and Adam Dykes.

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