Mal Meninga: Billy Slater injury opens door for Kangaroos fullback contenders

WHILE Greg Inglis seems the logical replacement for Billy Slater, MAL MENINGA reveals who he’s keeping an eye on for the Kangaroos No. 1 jersey.

Tigers James Tedesco scores his second try during the Wests Tigers v Manly rugby league game at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

• Bennett’s challenge to new CEO
• Roberts makes plea to Broncos fans
• Cowboys v Sydney Roosters: Five things we learned

ONE DOOR CLOSES ...

HAD Billy Slater been fit and firing in the lead-up to Australia’s match against New Zealand in May, he would have been the Test fullback.

There is no question about that. At his best, Billy is the best fullback in the game.

Knowing Billy, he will approach this setback positively, and do everything he can to get back to his best.

ANOTHER OPENS ...

GREG Inglis is an obvious choice to wear the Kangaroos No. 1 jersey but Test selection is all about getting the balance right and maybe the team would be better served by having Greg at left centre.

I will be watching Darius Boyd, James Tedesco, Jack Wighton and Matt Moylan with interest.

Mal Meninga will be keeping an eye on Tigers fullback James Tedesco. Picture: Brett Costello

DALY GRIND IS TOUGH

MANLY might want to look at shifting skipper Jamie Lyon to five-eighth to take some of the playmaking pressure off Daly Cherry-Evans while the Sea Eagles are finding their rhythm.

Daly is not the cause of their problems. He is not being given room to work in by his forwards. Lyon’s experience, direct running and kicking game would ease the burden on Daly.

DRAGON THE CHAIN

ST GEORGE Illawarra have been struggling to get it right on the field, but Josh Dugan going back to fullback will be a boost for them on Sunday.

Kurt Mann has struggled at fullback in the first two rounds, but that is just bad luck.

Fullback is definitely Mann’s best position, and he will grow into the role.

Right now, the Dragons need Dugan’s experience and running game to get them on the front foot from tackle one. They will be better this week.

The Dragons need Josh Dugan’s experience. Picture: Gregg Porteous

IT’S THE VIBE

BOTH the Titans and Tigers have made positive starts to their seasons, proving off-season criticism can be a powerful motivator.

The Titans need to protect their home record. This is a must-win game for them, and they are capable of taking it.

Originally published as Mal Meninga: Billy Slater injury opens door for Kangaroos fullback contenders