Kangaroos players are still getting their head around Greg Inglis' drink-driving ban as they look to begin a "new era" in Saturday's Auckland Test against New Zealand. As Australia flew out of Brisbane for New Zealand on Tuesday, the Kangaroos' thoughts turned to the man they were leaving behind - short-lived skipper Inglis. Lock Josh McGuire said the players felt for Inglis, who was stripped of the captaincy 28 hours after being named new Kangaroos skipper following drink-driving and speeding charges.
Inglis was also banned from Australia's trans-Tasman clash and their October 20 clash with Tonga.Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic was a surprise selection in the centres in Inglis' absence when coach Mal Meninga unveiled a 17 with four rookies for Saturday's Test. "I haven't been able to chat with GI. I think he is going through his own stuff at the moment (but) I fully support him and he is my captain," McGuire said of Inglis. "He is a good mate of mine. I hope everything is alright and gets sorted." While Inglis' absence is a blow, back-rower Felise Kaufusi still believes Australia will start an exciting new chapter this weekend with their rookie brigade. Sydney Roosters premiership-winning teammates James Tedesco, five-eighth Luke Keary and centre Latrell Mitchell plus South Sydney and NSW rake Cook are making their Test debut. The Kangaroos are starting life without fullback Billy Slater and ex-skipper Cameron Smith, a daunting challenge especially after halves Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston announced their representative retirement last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment