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PLAYER REVIEWS: Latrell Mitchell was the bully on the playground, while James Tedesco had NO qualms playing against his old nation… but Nathan Cleary will want to sharpen his shooting shoes after a woeful goal
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Australia made it a perfect three out of three as the kangaroos gave Italy a thump to advance from their Rugby League World Cup with an impeccable record.
Jeremiah Nanai was named Player of the Match after getting himself on the scoresheet in St Helens, while Campbell Graham and Murray Taulagi made two attempts each.
Here, Daily Mail Australia judges the Kangaroos team and leaves Meninga with plenty of decisions ahead of their quarter-finals next weekend.
James Tedesco 8
Showed no eagerness to take it easy on his former nation. The skipper posed danger every time he touched the ball and deserved a second half.
Campbell Graham 7
Continued his hat-trick last week with a brace in St Helens. An absolute brute force and showed his athleticism with an excellent jump and catch for his first score.
Murray Taulagi 8
There is a lot of competition between the backs, but Taulagi didn’t hurt his chances with some neat scores.
Daly Cherry-Evans 7
Lots of focus on the Manly veteran, with Cleary breathing down his neck for the number 7 spot. Did well to set up Holmes’ opening attempt and did the basics well.
Nathan Cleary 6
After that wonderful debut last week, Cleary will be slightly disappointed with his effort today. His goal kicks were quirky in the first half and at one point he looked to his father, Ivan, for inspiration from the stands. Needs to be sharper on that front.
Ben Hunt 7
Kept his focus through the full 80’s and won a turnover for the Italy tryline to help set up Lindsay Collins’ late try, good tenacity.
Cameron Murray 8
He really started to bond with his teammates in the front pack as the game progressed, and the reverberation of that cracking tackle on Kyle Pickering can still be felt in St Helens and the surrounding areas.
Liam Martin 7
Came off the bench with great success and completed a Panthers-heavy move to score. Walk sharply through the line.
Valentine Holmes 7
Scored the opening try, but made some unusual errors to give Italy confidence in the second half.
Lindsay Collins 7
The big man doesn’t score many tries – just three in his NRL career – but got his first for Australia today. Well deserved.
Latrell Mitchell 8
The weapons in this man’s arsenal are terrifying. He taunted the Italians for snatching his only attempt off the game, but had the panache to set up Taulagi for his second. Such a huge threat.
Ruben Cotter 6
Performed proficiently but was unable to shine as he does for his NRL club when surrounded by other superstars.
Jeremiah Nanai 7
The Cowboys pistol was named Player of the Match and was strong defensively and posed an offensive threat. Wasn’t quite up to Mitchell and Tedesco’s level for me.
To exchange
Isaah Yeo 8
Made a big impact off the couch and started pulling the strings. He becomes crucial for Meninga who enters the knockout phase.
Campbell Gillard 6
Solid from the sofa, but didn’t really get the time to impress.
Burton 6
Came close to adding his effort last week but burned up a Captain’s Challenge after a clear knock.
Faasuamaleaui 7
Participated in the best effort of the night as he hooked up with Yeo and Murray. Those three make a good relationship.