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PLAYER REVIEWS: Mal Meninga will be happy with Josh Addo-Carr after his fantastic five but two Kangaroos halves FAIL before the huge semi-final against NZ or Fiji
The brave Lebanon Cedars impressed in this Rugby League World Cup but were overtaken by a dominant Australia in their quarter-final at Huddersfield.
Led by former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, the Cedars did well to reach this stage and have automatically qualified for the 2025 World Cup as a result.
But they came under fire from the hungry Australian side, as Addo-Carr left his mark on the game with a hat-trick within 20 minutes en route to a five-goal run.
However, it was an awkward performance, with 14 errors and plenty to work on ahead of their likely semi-final showdown with New Zealand.
Fullback James Tedesco was hooked on a cork during halftime but is not expected to be questioned for the remainder of the tournament.
Australia rounded out their group with a comfortable win over Lebanon in Huddersfield. Tedesco (photo) rested during halftime with a leg cork
James Tedesco 5
Was at his best and put on a great Latrell Mitchell effort but was corked out of action at half time as a precaution.
Valentine Holmes 7.5
Demonstrated the same electric form he has all year with a few line break assists, over 150 yards and a few offloads in a busy and engaged performance
Jack Wighton 4
Saw very little ball as his fellow backs went wild. Although he did nothing wrong, he will have to search for the ball more against tougher opposition.
Addo-Carr went electric with five tries against Lebanon, including three in the first 20 minutes
Latrell Mitchell 6
Scored a fantastic try in the first half to seal the result almost early but lacked engagement afterwards
Josh Addo Carr 9
This guy makes it look really simple no matter what level he plays. Had a real chance to break the World Cup record and could have scored even more
Cameron Munster 8
He showed why he is and will remain the incumbent with three try assists, enterprising play and skillfully shifted to fullback in the second half to replace Tedesco.
Nathan Cleary 3
Was picked for Daly Cherry-Evans in the halfback race but had a horror night with the shoe and didn’t register a single try assist. Reportedly struggled with illness during the week.
Nathan Cleary’s goal-scoring game left a lot to be desired and he’ll need to get sharper
Jake Trbojevic 6
Solid in defense but a little lacking in attack. Didn’t do much wrong but will be another player to climb into semis and finals when Australia gets there.
Harry Grant 6
A mixed bag of the new Australian dummy-half with a try assist, line break and a fine running game tempered by some sloppy mistakes.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 5
Limited involvement from the big Gold Coast Titans and he will have to produce more at the end of the season.
Australia’s Latrell Mitchell celebrates after scoring their team’s fourth try during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match between Australia and Lebanon
Harry Grant 6
He showed why he is and will remain the incumbent with three try assists, enterprising play and skillfully shifted to fullback in the second half to replace Tedesco.
Angus Crichton 8
Can fly under the radar in a star-studded Kangaroos forward but was one of the best on the field in a willing performance with 118 yards and 22 tackles.
Liam Martin 6
May struggle to keep his semi-final spot as he just couldn’t find the spark on offense he usually gets to one side.
Isaah Yeo 8.5
Another of Australia’s best with nearly 150 yards, 31 tackles and he looked dangerous every time he had the ball in his hands. Nailed down the lock position.
Exchange:
Daly Cherry-Evans 4.5
Patrick Carrigan 8
Cameron Murray 7
Lindsay Collins 3