Farah able to hurt Aussie’s campaign
ROBBIE Farah refused to admit Cameron Smith was a better player than him three years ago. And now the Lebanon captain can come true on his words by throwing a spanner into Australia’s World Cup campaign.
The Kangaroos will clash with minnows Lebanon at Allianz Stadium tonight in their third and final pool match.
Smith, Australia’s captain and a veteran of 52 Tests, has had a long-running battle with Farah but consistently held on to his mantle as the game’s best No.9. Farah, who made the last of his eight appearances for Australia in 2014, has been playing halfback for Lebanon and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said he could be a trump card for the Cedars.
“He’s a smart player, he’s always been a smart player,” Meninga said.
“He’s got a great kicking game, he’s got a great temperament. He’s composed, nothing fazes him.
“Playing the seven suits him. I’m pretty sure he’d be enjoying it, it looks like he’s enjoying it.
“He understands the game a lot better than he did when he was a young kid.
“It takes him out of the firing line from a defensive perspective. He’s doing a terrific job for Lebanon.
“He’s a dangerous proposition, him and Mitchell Moses. We’ve done a bit of work on them this week.”
The Kangaroos are expected to easily account for the mostly part-time Lebanon team and progress to a quarter-final against Samoa.
Tonight is Meninga’s last opportunity to run his eye over his squad before the suddendeath games arrive.
He admitted that there were 14 positions still up for grabs heading in to play-offs.
“We’ve opened it up to everyone,” he said.
“The certainties are Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater at this stage.
“We’re still having to think about things. I’m pretty sure we’ll play against Samoa in the quarter-finals so we’ll pick a team that’s going to be very competitive against them.”
Meninga has been on a mission to lift the profile of international rugby league since being appointed Kangaroos coach in late 2015.
A hybrid exhibition between the Kangaroos and rugby union’s All Blacks in Japan has been mooted for 2019 and Meninga was not against the idea.
“I’d like to think that anything that’s going to help promote both games, certainly our game (is worth it),” he said.
“Playing against the All Blacks, they’ve got a worldwide brand. From a Kangaroos point of view that would certainly help that.
“We’ve got to play more games of international rugby league so that’s how we’re going to grow the game of rugby league, taking it to new areas.”