South Africa v Australia: David Warner puts his hand up to take on Roosters NRL goalkicking duties
Latrell Mitchell’s departure has left a job opening for a new goal-kicker at the Roosters, and a famous face has put his hand up to do it, although he’s currently otherwise engaged some 13,500km away.
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Trent Robinson’s first-choice goal-kicker for Sunday’s World Club Challenge might be playing cricket in South Africa.
The Sydney Roosters coach was sent footage of David Warner slotting shots at goal while on tour in Johannesburg, and was impressed by the Aussie opener’s ability to find the middle with his right foot as well as his bat.
Latrell Mitchell’s departure to South Sydney has left a job opening for a new goal-kicker and Warner – a keen Roosters fan and former junior rugby league player – has offered his services.
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Champion NRL goalkicker and Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon gave Warner’s around-the-corner technique the tick of approval, after the 33-year-old posted a video of himself kicking at Australian training to social media and sent it over to the UK where the Chooks are preparing to take on St Helens.
“I did it every day without fail. I went out at the back park and kicked and did it playing for my school (Randwick Boys High School) until I was in year 12,” said Warner.
“I was the goal kicker and always had the ball in my hands.
“I actually sent the video to Trent Robinson and I said if you ever need another person, I’ll put my hand up.
“He said Craig Fitzgibbon said I have a very good technique and Lukey Keary said I was very good as well. If they need a little bit of help I’m more than happy to come down and put some bombs up in the air … I’ve still got it!”
Warner, Steve Smith and Adam Zampa are all Roosters fans in the Australian set-up. The team will be in Port Elizabeth preparing for the second T20 international against South Africa when the World Club Challenge kicks off from the UK.
Robinson and Warner share a close relationship after the Roosters coach got him into speak to players two seasons ago. Smith, too, was in the Roosters sheds after last year’s grand final triumph.
Any code switch for Warner still seems like a fair way away.
Warner has flagged the prospect of retiring from Twenty20 cricket, but indicated that wouldn’t be until at least after the back-to-back World Cups.
After this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia, there will be another tournament next year in India.
Warner may retire from T20s after that point in a bid to prolong his Test and one-day careers.
“I’m 33, turning 34 this year. If I want to keep playing Test cricket and one-day cricket and get to that next one-day cricket World Cup, something is going to have to give,” he said.
“It’s one I’ll probably have to think about, definitely.”