It wasn’t the ideal start to his international rugby league career but Taree’s Latrell Mitchell was still smiling after Australia’s 26-24 shock loss to New Zealand.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Latrell played in the centres for the Kangaroos and produced 162 running metres, three line breaks and two try assists.
Latrell told NRL.com that he was honoured to don the green and gold.
“I was honestly so stoked how the game turned out, not the result but to represent your country is a massive achievement just for myself to represent my culture, my family,” Latrell said.
“I really enjoyed the moment.”
He added that 2018 has been one of the best years of his life which included a State of Origin series debut and win on top of a premiership with the Roosters.
Latrell was praised for his combination with winger Valentine Holmes, who he put over for the first try of the game after initiating a left side raid on the Kiwis outside backs.
The duo backed it up in the second half with fullback James Tedesco to spark a late fightback by the Kangaroos.
The game was also a big occasion for Old Bar’s Boyd Cordner who captained his country for the first time after incumbent skipper Greg Inglis was suspended.
Both Latrell and Boyd are set to line up for Australia in Saturday’s clash with Tonga in Auckland.
Meanwhile, Old Bar’s Holli Wheeler was part of the Australian Jillaroos side that secured a thrilling 26-24 win over the Kiwi Ferns last Saturday.
Originally named in the run-on side, Wheeler started from the bench and played 54 minutes of the match. The win caps of a big year for Wheeler who played in Saint George’s inaugural NRLW side.
She was named the side’s player of the year.
Wheeler also featured in the Australian Prime Minister’s 13’s 40-4 win over Papua New Guinea earlier this month.
