Parker: The Kangaroo that looked 'off the pace'

Australia are off and running at this Rugby League World Cup, having begun their campaign with a win over New Zealand.

But Corey Parker believes the side can improve, having been underwhelmed by the performances of several members of the Kangaroos’ backline.

Despite having less possession, fewer run metres and a lower completion rate for the match, the reigning World Champions managed to hold on for a 24-22 win at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

However, speaking after the game, the Broncos legend named several members of the Kangaroos' backs, including Sea Eagles’ co-captain Tom Trbojevic, as underwhelming and needed to improve, with the fullback playing on the wing scoring an intercept try, where the bulk of his 179 run metres came from.

“I'll tell you who else looked a little off the pace,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“I don't wanna criticise, but Tom Trbojevic, he looked a little off the pace; am I over the top in saying that?

“I thought Tom, Kotoni (Staggs) and Latrell (Mitchell) were a little off the pace; I mean, Tom scored an intercept try, you take that out of it.

“I thought he was a little underwhelming.”

The Rugby League World Cup action continues on Friday with Samoa taking on France at CommBank Stadium from 5:45pm AEDT.

On the following day, England plays Tonga at HBF Park in Perth, with SEN League having live commentary of the match as part of its Rugby League World Cup coverage across our radio network and on the SEN app.