League icon Andrew Johns says he would not select James Tedesco if he had his choice of the entire NRL to form his dream backline.
When presented with the task of picking his best backline, Johns opted for reigning Dally M Player of the Year, Tom Trbojevic, in the fullback position, despite Tedesco wearing the No.1 jersey when the pair play together at Origin level.
The eighth rugby league Immortal said he’d left Tedesco out of his side due to being “worried about his knee”.
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Also in Johns’ line-up was Broncos teenager Selwyn Cobbo, who the Knights legend suggested was a Latrell Mitchell clone.
The 19-year-old made his debut for the Broncos last season, scoring two tries in seven appearances for Kevin Walters’ side.
“My left-sided attack would be Latrell and Selwyn Cobbo, they’re pretty much identical,” Johns told Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.
“Cobbo played on the right, but I think he’s a left-field player, he carries the ball with his left hand. He’s a superstar of the future.”
Partering Cobbo on the wing was another Queensland native in Xavier Coates, who Johns predicted would lead the Melbourne Storm in tries scored for the year.
Johns paired Mitchell and Knights star Dane Gagai in the centres, and praised Gagai after working with him in close quarters this season at Newcastle.
“Working with Gags this year, he is an unbelievable student of the game,” he said. “He knows his game, he knows how he wants the ball, never stops talking.”
Johns rounded out his dream backline with the halves combination of Jack Wighton in the No.6 and Nathan Cleary in the No.7.
“Five-eighth, Jack Wighton, I always like a big five-eighth,” he said.
“He intimidates defences, he’s big, strong and as tough as they come.
“At halfback I’d have Nathan, he does it all, kicking, organising, he’s all over the field.”
JOEY’S DREAM NRL BACKLINE
Fullback: Tom Trbojevic
Wing: Selwyn Cobbo
Wing: Xavier Coates
Centre: Latrell Mitchell
Centre: Dane Gagai
Five-eighth: Jack Wighton
Halfback: Nathan Cleary