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Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco silence critics in stunning displays in Las Vegas

The two fullbacks will be fighting it out for New South Wales in 2024.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·5-min read

James Tedesco has gone some way in silencing his critics with a blockbuster NRL season opener for the Roosters, while Latrell Mitchell put in a stellar attacking performance to give hope for the Rabbitohs. Reece Walsh was arguably the most talked about player leading into the opening NRL double-header in the US.

However, the 21-year-old was slightly upstaged by the 31-year-old Roosters veteran who led his team to victory over the Broncos with nine tackle busts, more than 200 running metres and a try-assist. Tedesco was well below his best last year and a brutal State of Origin Game I display saw Blues fans call for a change.

Latrell Mitchell looks on and James Tedesco tackled.
James Tedesco (pictured right) was immense against the Broncos, while Latrell Mitchell (pictured left) showed he will be vital for the Rabbitohs if they are to improve on their 2023 season. (Getty Images)

His end of season performance for the Kangaroos also prompted calls for a new No.1 in the green and gold. And while there is a long way to go in the season, Tedesco appears to have trained the house down ahead of round 1 and showed it as he linked up superbly with his teammates in a stunning display.

“I just put the work in during the pre-season,” Tedesco said. “I just wanted to go out there and trust myself and trust to put the work in and just go out there and play footy. I’m happy that I was able to play some good footy, but there is plenty of improvement to go.

“We all had a great pre-season, so I think that is the key. You put the work in and you go out on the field and you can just trust yourself and play what you see in front of you. I’m happy we had a good pre-season and we can build on this for the rest of the season.”

And while he is no certainty to remain the incumbent for New South Wales, the fullback did everything he could in the first game to show he is ready to fight for his position. "It was more than a wholehearted performance tonight form James Tedesco. He took it personal," Michael Ennis said of his performance.

“He made it personal. There was a lot of hype around Reece Walsh and rightly so. Reece is one of the bright young stars coming through our game.

“But tonight the veteran stood up and he was brilliant. He was best on ground and it was a real captain’s knock." His performance comes as a timely reminder with two other potential New South Wales fullbacks playing on the same evening.

Latrell Mitchell shows attacking intent

One star who reminded supporters of his attacking skills was Rabbitohs fullback Mitchell. The Rabbitohs looked lacklustre in the second half and were blown away by the Manly Sea Eagles in the first game of the season.

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While the Rabbitohs will feel disappointed with their result, Anasta claimed Mitchell looked like a man on a mission in the US. After setting up his team's first try with a beautiful cut-out pass, Mitchell stormed over himself in the 44th minute.

Latrell Mitchell runs the ball.
Latrell Mitchell (pictured) was the best attacking player for the Rabbitohs against Manly.

He then set up Alex Johnston moments later. While Mitchell did cost the Rabbitohs a try with one pass being intercepted, the towering fullback showed why he will once again be the main focus of his team's attack in 2024.

“Latrell Mitchell what a player,” Anasta said on Fox Sports. “The brutality of the man not only when he carries the football, but in defence as well. But at this moment right here this is when he just takes on the line.

“This guy is so strong. He carries so many defenders over the try-line. But it is the big moments that Latrell Mitchell stands up and delivers. This shows where Latrell Mitchell is at in his career and this season coming 2024. Look at his eyes. Did you see his eyes when he scored that try. He is ready.” While Mitchell's display did come with errors, his presence on the field will be vital for the Rabbitohs going forward in their bid to make the top eight.

Luke Brooks steals the show in Manly debut

Luke Brooks steals the show in Manly debut wing his switch from the Wests Tigers and the five-eighth shone outside Daly Cherry-Evans. While fans were ready to give Brooks time to adapt to his new surroundings, the 29-year-old looked a threat the whole game and eventually scored himself in the second-half.

Brooks' ability to attack the line, while Cherry-Evans commands the game, will be a huge bonus for Manly in 2024 having missed out on finals footy last year.

Luke Brooks runs the ball.
Luke Brooks (pictured) was sensational for Manly in his debut for the team.

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