Roosters pair determined to cement Kangaroos spots
AUCKLAND: James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell have spied gaps in the Kangaroos backline and are vowing to fill them on a permanent basis.
The Sydney Roosters stars will make their test debuts against the Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow, and should back it up against Tonga a week later.
For Tedesco, it marks the end of a seasonlong race to wear the retired Billy Slater’s No 1 jersey.
Two of his rivals lurk nearby as teammates this weekend — Valentine Holmes on the wing and Tom Trbojevic at centre, while Newcastle phenomenon Kalyn Ponga is out injured.
Tedesco knows the competition will be just as fierce next year, adding weight to the next two weeks under close watch from coach Mal Meninga.
‘‘To get this opportunity, it’s up to me if I want to keep it as long as I want,’’ Tedesco said.
‘‘Obviously Slater’s had this position for a long time now and Mal sort of said now it’s my time, so I’m excited.
‘‘He told me to be myself and play my own game. It’s a whole new spine. We’ve had a lot of chats together and it’s just exciting — the new youth in our team.’’
Mitchell is just as determined to nail down a centre berth after an equally triumphant season for the 21yearold at Premiership and State of Origin level.
His one letdown this week is that he does not get the chance to play under longtime idol Greg Inglis following the captain’s ban for drink driving.
‘‘Things happen here or there. Some are out of your control and some you can control,’’ Mitchell said.
‘‘GI will be very hard on himself. I’m very disappointed not to play with one of my idols but then again I get to represent for him as well so very keen to do that.
‘‘He’s one of the greats. He’ll bounce back better than ever.’’