Latrell Mitchell Named on the Bench for the Kangaroos’ Semi-Final Against Samoa as Bradman Best Keeps His Centre Spot
Latrell Mitchell will start Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against Samoa on the Kangaroos’ bench. Kevin Walters has kept the starting side that beat the Cook Islands 66-6, with Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs at centre, Fox Sports and League Unlimited reported on Thursday.
Mitchell is one of six on the interchange bench, alongside James Tedesco and Cameron Murray. Sam Walker is listed at No.21 among the reserves.
Walters calls it “a tough call”
Mitchell was quiet in the 24-22 win over New Zealand on 15 October and has not played since, Fox Sports said. Walters told NRL360 the choice came down to Best or Mitchell, and he went with the Knights centre.
“It’s a tough one. Bradman went away with us last year on the Kangaroos Tour and unfortunately didn’t get his opportunity, but this year he played well on a winning Origin team and then of course carried that form into the finals,” Walters said.
“I get it’s a tough call, but these are the decisions that I have to make as coach of the Australian side,” he said. He left the door open for Mitchell to play a part on Sunday: “Of course we’ve got a player like James Tedesco possibly and Latrell Mitchell sitting on the bench and if required, we can inject them into the game at any stage with the flexibility of the six man bench.”
Best is one of 11 Kangaroos who have been free agents since 1 November, the Sydney Morning Herald reported, and our report on his contract has where that stands.
“I’m stunned”
Not everyone agreed with the call. CODE Sports reporter Brent Read said on NRL360: “I’m stunned by that.” He added: “If you pick Latrell in this squad, you pick him with the aim of playing him when it matters. And these games now really matter.”
Journalist Pete Badel took the same view. “I think just cometh the hour, cometh the man, and I think Latrell would have stood up in these games,” he said.
“Whatever Kevvie needs”
Mitchell took it in good humour. “I’m going to come on in the middle,” he joked. “Whatever Kevvie needs, I’ll do. I’m part of a team that’s got a bunch of superstars, so anywhere I can add value is something I’m grateful for.”
Staggs keeps the right centre spot in a week when he spoke about why he does not sing the anthem. Reece Walsh stays at fullback, with Tedesco on the bench for what may be one of his last games for Australia.
Kangaroos v Samoa on Sunday
Australia play Samoa at Allianz Stadium in Sydney at 8.05pm AEDT on Sunday 8 November. It is a rematch of the 2021 World Cup final, played at Old Trafford in 2022, which Australia won 30-10.
Samoa have made one change, with Ronald Volkman in for Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth, and Deine Mariner is back on the bench after a hamstring injury. The winner meets New Zealand or Tonga in the final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 15 November. The World Cup table has how both sides got here, and our guide to watching the World Cup lists the broadcasters.
