Campese’s wait almost over
THE frustrating wait is almost over for Italy five-eighth Terry Campese – and his long-suffering mum.
The veteran playmaker is quietly confident of overcoming a calf complaint and making what looms as his international farewell at hometown Canberra in Italy’s Rugby League World Cup clash with Fiji tonight.
However, the former Canberra Raiders pivot admits he won’t know until after the prematch warm-up whether he will be able to run out for the first time in the tournament.
Twice the 33-year-old has been pencilled in to play for Italy at the Cup – and twice he has had to pull out at the last minute due to the calf injury. Much to his mum’s frustration.
“I had to ring the old girl and get her to cancel her flights the morning of the last game (against the USA) in Townsville,” Campese said. “She lives in the Canberra area so it won’t muck her around too much if this last game doesn’t pan out but fingers crossed I will be able to run out there.”
In an assuring sign, Campese has requested tickets for family and friends in the Canberra area – all 200 of them.
Italy must not only beat the undefeated Fiji in their final pool match to book a maiden quarter-final spot, they must thrash the Bati by 46 points. CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan has pencilled in new signing Matt Moylan to be his five-eighth but admits the team could change again as the club waits on the status of Mitchell Pearce.
The Sharks finally confirmed the arrival of Moylan yesterday, almost three months after the former Penrith captain missed this year’s NRL finals due to personal issues.
Flanagan pointed out James Maloney had yet to be announced as a Panther, but indicated Moylan would wear the No.6 jumper next season.
However Flanagan also refused to rule out making a play for Pearce, whose future at the Sydney Roosters remains unclear following the arrival of current Kangaroos halfback Cooper Cronk.
He expects an answer by the end of the month.