MANCHESTER: The Kangaroos have plenty of room still to grow, according to star centre Latrell Mitchell. The Souths man was confident that Australia could get much better, especially given the extreme depth that has seen them go through a raft of selection dramas to choose a perfect 17.
“(This team) has way more, this is just a little taste,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve dealt all the cards.
“It’s really enjoyable to see and know that there’s opportunity anywhere on the field. I’d like to say that we have the best in the world on our team. Hopefully the weather treats me well and I can put on a show.
“We’re all competing for spots, that’s the best thing about this team is that you’re striving for greatness,” Mitchell said.
“I’m feeling the heat with Matt Burton there. Mal has a big headache. (Campbell Graham) is strong as, he’s a big boney thing and you don’t want to be in front of him. He’s been playing with (a wrist injury) all year.
“He joined our leadership group at Souths and you see the character in him. He’s the player you want to play with and I love him to death. He’s a beast.”
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr says he would welcome the chance to become Canterbury’s new captain after long-time skipper Josh Jackson announced his retirement last week.
Jackson hung up the boots at the age of just 31 and after 241 NRL games, leaving incoming Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo facing a tough decision to begin his tenure at Belmore.
Addo-Carr described Jackson as “the heart and soul of the Bulldogs” and said he was taken aback by his skipper’s sudden decision which he announced in the team’s group chat.
There is no standout candidate to take over and Addo-Carr said he would be willing to step into the role if needed. “If everyone wants me to do it at the Bulldogs, if the boys trust me, I’ll definitely put my hand up,” Addo-Carr said. “But it’s got to be earned.”
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for RLWC)
Addo-Carr is seen as a jovial figure but he told media at Kangaroos training he had the ability to be serious. Earlier this year he co-captained the Bulldogs with Luke Thompson to an upset win over the Sydney Roosters.
“It was mad, I had an awesome time,” he said. “I see the fun side of things more than others I suppose.
“Everyone sees me as a player always laughing but when it’s time to party on game day I put my best foot forward so we’ll see what happens.”
Ciraldo will also have time to consider potentially shifting Addo-Carr to fullback, a move which was mooted but never materialised under former coach Trent Barrett.
Addo-will be looking to add to his six World Cup tries in the quarter-final against Lebanon in Huddersfield on Friday (Saturday AEDT), coming up against fellow Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz, who has been a revelation at fullback for the Cedars under Michael Cheika. – AAP
England opened the Women’s World Cup with a thumping 72-4 win over debutants Brazil in front of over 8,000 fans in Leeds, a new record for a women’s game in the UK.
Courtney Winfield-Hill was the star, with the naturalised Aussie – who is married to England cricket player Lauren Winfield-Hill – running the show for the hosts, grabbing three tries in the process. Brazil had no match for her guile and the hard-running centre, Amy Hardcastle, who also scored a hat trick.
CLICK HERE for a seven-day free trial for your favourite sport on KAYO
Brazil, featuring several Rio Olympians, were making their first appearance in Europe and struggled at times, but made up in physicality and effort what they sometimes lacked in experience.
In the later game, the PNG Orchids defeated Canada 34-12 in a pulsating clash played out in front of a raucous crowd. Dragons NRLW prop Elisie Albert and fullback Martha Molowia were their best, with Albert providing typically robust work in the middle and Molowia scored twice, including a superb solo effort just after half time.
The Australian Jillaroos kick off tomorrow against the Cook Islands Moana.
England legend Adrian Morley has talked up Victor Radley’s performances for England, though he still declared Australia as the team to beat at the Men’s World Cup.
“I am a big fan of Victor and he’s been great,” the former Rooster told PA. “In the game against Samoa he picked out the biggest lads and said, ‘right, this is what you’re getting all game’ and he stuck at it.
“I obviously have a strong affection for the Sydney Roosters and he’s a local Bondi lad.
“I just love the way he plays the game and, if he played for any other club, I still would have thought he was the man but, coming from the Roosters, it makes it extra special for me.
“Australia are always going to be favourites, although New Zealand have a decent squad on paper. Those three are the contenders.
“England have been going great in general and they’ve got it in them to make the final. And then it’s only 80 minutes against Australia or New Zealand. I’m sure they can get a result against anyone.
“It will take a monumental effort in the final but, when you’ve got 60,000 fans screaming at you, anything can happen.”
Australians are among the sportiest people on Earth. Much as we like to play code wars with each other, the fact that we can…
Over the years 47 players have represented Australia in rugby league and union - so who is the best of the dual code internationals?
Proposed rule changes to Origin eligibility might be that rarest of things: a solution that works for everyone.
The shortlist for the International Rugby League (IRL) Golden Boot Award has been announced, with a host of hard-runners listed for the top prizes.…
After Australia's 30-nil thumping in the Pacific Championship final, there could be a vastly different Kangaroos team in the next international competition.
A famous day for New Zealand as the Kiwis thrash Australia to take the Pacific Championships title.
