INGLIS, MITCHELL THE KANGAROOS’ CENTRES OF ATTENTION
FROM Wall Street Warriors to Kangaroos Test captain – all in a day.
Souths champion Greg Inglis was named yesterday as Australian’s newest captain – replacing retired Cam Smith – for the Kangaroos two upcoming Tests in Auckland.
Yet rather than sit back after Souths’ elimination from the NRL finals, indigenous-born Inglis has spent the past four days in Dubbo representing Wall Street Warriors in the popular Koori Knockout.
He was there yesterday morning when told of his latest honour by Test coach Mal Meninga, who announced a 19-man squad for Tests against New Zealand (October 13) and Tonga (October 20), both at Mt Smart Stadium.
“He is proud of his indigenous Aboriginality,” Meninga said. “He just loves the game. I’m not going to say anything against that. He believes he needs to be part of all that and he’s happy doing that.
“Greg has been a great ambassador for the game.
“Greg is one of our greatestever players and he deserves the opportunity.”
Meninga chose four debutants, including Titans surprise packet Tyrone Peachey, South’s Damien Cook, and Roosters premiership heroes James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell.
Mitchell – nicknamed The Beast from the East – demanded selection after his robust grand final performance where he overcame Melbourne rival Will Chambers once again.
“He is simply one of the best,
form centres of the competition,” Meninga said. “It really is as simple as that.
“Latrell had a terrific game on Sunday night. He is an outstanding player and an outstanding goal kicker. The way he has played through the whole year warranted his selection.”
Mitchell plays on the same left side as Inglis but both will play the Tests – one will simply be shifted to the other side.
Melbourne’s Cameron Munster, also selected, was charged by the NRL match review committee with grade one contrary conduct for kicking Roosters player Joseph Manu in the head during Sunday’s grand final.
Munster will however avoid suspension with an early plea and take his place in Australia’s squad. He will be fined $1400.
Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans will be the starting half, Cook the hooker, Tedesco at fullback.
The Australian side is transitioning with the recent retirements of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cam Smith.
“The international world thinks we’re a bit vulnerable at the moment,” Meninga said.