Tom Trbojevic could block Latrell Mitchell’s path to the Australian side

MAL Meninga has revealed why Tom Trbojevic could get the jump on Latrell Mitchell as Greg Inglis’ centre partner for Australia’s end of season Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.

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MAL Meninga has revealed why Tom Trbojevic could get the jump on Latrell Mitchell as Greg Inglis’ centre partner for Australia’s end of season Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.

And while most assume James Maloney is the obvious choice to partner Cameron Munster in the halves, concerns about Maloney’s defence has opened the door for Daly Cherry-Evans.

Meninga is also adamant Newcastle young gun Kalyn Ponga is ready to step up to Test football, but the issue will be how to fit Ponga into the 19-man squad.

Trbojevic made his Test debut during the World Cup. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.

As the build-up gathers momentum following this week’s announcement that the Kangaroos are likely to play Tonga as well as the Kiwis in October, Meninga yesterday opened up to The Saturday Telegraph about his thoughts on some contentious positions.

And right in the thick of it was the battle for halfback.

NEW-LOOK SPINE

Meninga said the representative retirement of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater has paved the way for a new generation of Kangaroos with a view towards the 2021 World Cup.

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“We are going to pick a team that I want to keep together for a long time,” Meninga said.

“Obviously we are going to have the odd player in and out.

“But I’d like to think we can pick a team that will be stable for the next few years.

“I will be honest, it has been at the front of my mind for a while now, about how the backline and halves will take shape.

“I am still not quite sure but I guess finals footy will play its part.”

Meninga said if they stay fit James Tedesco (fullback), Munster (five-eighth) and Damien Cook (hooker) have all earned a start.

There will be some serious changes to the side that claimed the World Cup. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

But halfback was not clear cut.

“Coming out of Origin, Jimmy (Maloney) was probably a standout but he has had a flat spot,” Meninga said, with Maloney currently sidelined with a knee injury.

“Obviously his body needs repairing but he should be right going into the finals.

“Hopefully he is fit and defending well.

“That is really important.

“We are playing against two big sides.

Australia will need a new captain Picture: Justin Kennedy

“If you are going to play for Australia you have to defend as well.”

Like everyone, Meninga was impressed with Cherry-Evans’ Origin III performance and that along with his efforts for Manly has made him Maloney’s main danger.

“I think so. Based on his performance in the Origin III, he was excellent, and based on his ability to control play,” Meninga said.

“Manly is not going well at the moment but you just know he will play well.”

TURBO OR LATRELL?

Meninga picked Mitchell and Inglis as his centre pairing in the Australian merit team named after Origin.

But the problem is they both play on the left edge.

Trbojevic earned a spot on the wing in the merit team but given there are so many other options with the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Dane Gagai and Valentine Holmes, right centre might be Turbo’s best fit.

Will Mitchell make his Test debut? Picture. Phil Hillyard.

“I know GI will be left centre (if fit) and we have to make some judgment if Latrell can play right centre,” Meninga said.

“The way he carries the footy he is certainly a left side player.

“I have to have those conversations with him and Trent Robinson.”

THE BENCH

Meninga also admitted he was considering playing four interchange forwards, which could leave the likes of Bent Hunt, Ponga and Nathan Cleary challenging for 18th and 19th man.

Asked if Ponga was ready, Meninga said: “He is ready. But where do you play him?

“Maybe 14 (as a utility), or an 18th/19th man, just to bring him in and get a feel for it.

“I have no doubts he can handle it.”

About Hunt’s drop in form for St George Illawarra since his Origin demotion, Meninga said: “He is struggling a little bit but that is not to say he can’t play his way back into form.

“He is definitely in the picture.

Ponga could come into contention. Picture by Adam Head.

“We have to pick another hooker.

“I just want him to see him get his hands on the footy and play with confidence, don’t doubt himself.

“He has to show a bit more steel.”

Australia will pick a Prime Minsters team for the clash against PNG on October 6 made up of players from the bottom half of the ladder, and teams that drop out of the finals early.

But Meninga said the squad would be split between NRL players and Junior Kangaroos.

“We are mindful of the fact players need time off,” he said.

“If there is not a genuine opportunity for them to play for Australia there is no point picking them.”

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Originally published as Tom Trbojevic could block Latrell Mitchell’s path to the Australian side