Jamie Soward has declared Emma Tonegato should play fullback for Australia within the World Cup after starring in St George Illawarra’s 26-12 NRLW defeat of Gold Coast.
Joint winner of final yr’s Dally M Medal with Millie Boyle, Tonegato made a press release to start out the second version of the league in 2022 with a dominant first 20 minutes in opposition to the Titans.
Wanting harmful with each contact, the fullback scored the Dragons’ opening strive when Talei Holmes despatched her over within the twelfth minute.
She then laid on an outstanding cut-out go for debutante winger Andie Robinson, persevering with a dream yr for {the teenager} after a hat-trick in under-19s State of Origin.
Tonegato, who represented Australia on the 2013 World Cup, switched to Rugby 7s earlier than returning to rugby league earlier this yr. However she should now firmly be within the dialog to assert the Jillaroos’ No.1 jersey off Tamika Upton.
It’s one thing Dragons coach Soward claims mustn’t even be up for debate, whereas additionally admitting his fullback’s second half might have been much better on Sunday.
Emma Tonegato runs the ball in opposition to the Titans on Sunday.Credit score:Getty
“She can be sporting the No.1 for Australia,” Soward mentioned. “She’s the very best No.1 on the earth. And whoever goes to argue that most likely doesn’t know rugby league.
“She’s the very best No.1 on the earth. She is aware of it, I do know it, it, [Dragons captain] Kezie [Apps] is aware of it.“
