Brad Fittler ripped by fans after Josh Addo-Carr display at World Cup

Brad Fittler's decision to overlook Josh Addo-Carr for this year's State of Origin series has once again been called into question after the winger's stunning performance in Australia's victory over Fiji at the World Cup.

Addo-Carr scored two tries at Headingley as the defending champion Kangaroos opened their World Cup campaign with a solid if unspectacular 42-8 win on a wet Saturday night in Yorkshire.

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The Canterbury winger scored a spectacular 95-metre try in the first half, beating a number of players and standing up the Fijian fullback with his sublime footwork and speed.

He then made it a double in the second half as the Kangaroos kicked away to a commanding victory.

NRL fans couldn't help but mention Fittler when discussing Addo-Carr's performance after the game.

Addo-Carr was sensationally axed by Fittler for the State of Origin series this year, with NSW going on to lose 2-1.

Fittler instead went with Roosters winger Daniel Tupou, refusing to bring in Addo-Carr despite his stellar form at club level.

“It’s more of a case of Daniel Tupou playing his way in, what he’s done at the Roosters, how safe he is, the way he brings the ball out of trouble," Fittler said at the time.

“I feel like at the moment...I don’t think it’d be right on Fox (Addo-Carr) or the team to go into Game I.

“We’ve communicated, and he’s committed to getting back in the team. My line to him was, he belongs here. That was a tough one.”

After his double for the Kangaroos, fans took to social media to question why Fittler didn't get Addo-Carr into his side as the series went on.

Latrell Mitchell braced for more boos at World Cup

Meanwhile, Latrell Mitchell says Australia are prepared to be the World Cup bad guys after receiving a hostile reception in their opening win over Fiji.

Mitchell bagged his first Test try and sent good mate Addo-Carr over the line in the Kangaroos' first-up victory.

The South Sydney fullback reverted to the centres - a role where he won two NRL premierships with the Sydney Roosters - in a team which was given a frosty welcome to Headingley for their first game in nearly three years.

Every time Australia made an error local supporters cheered, and they were even more vocal when Fiji went in for tries.

"There's a lot of boos and what not. It is what it is but you have to get on with the job and that's what I've done," Mitchell said, acknowledging the defending champions would be in for more hostility as the tournament wears on.

"The English crowds are passionate and they bring the atmosphere which is what we want.

"All I can see is the crowds getting bigger, a lot more atmosphere and more passion and we (the Kangaroos) will come alive."

Mitchell was dominated in his first couple of hit-ups but, like much of the Australian side, began to find his groove as the game progressed.

Coach Mal Meninga has said that nobody bar captain James Tedesco is guaranteed a start in his side but Mitchell and Addo-Carr neared must-pick status as they rekindled their partnership on a strong left edge.

They combined for the try of the game when Australia were camped on their own goal-line, and on the first tackle of the set, Mitchell threw a risky pass out wide for Addo-Carr to race in from 95 metres to score.

"It's serious, sometimes he swears at me when he wants the ball," Mitchell said.

"I can't work him out. It's just awesome to be here and have that combination with him again (because) I enjoy that bond that I have with him.

"I try to get him in full flight and then I don't have to do anything."

with AAP

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