Slater inspiring Addo-Carr's bid for slice of World Cup history
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Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr has set his sights on eclipsing former mentor Billy Slater's World Cup try-scoring record as the road to this year's tournament reaches another milestone.
It is now less than six months to go before Australia and New Zealand kick off the showcase event at Allianz Stadium on Thursday October 15.
Records are set to be shattered on and off the field throughout the tournament, with Addo-Carr chasing his own slice of history.
Kangaroos Starring Roles: Josh Addo-Carr
Slater is the current all-time World Cup leading try-scorer with 16 across three campaigns.
Addo-Carr scored 12 during the 2022 tournament and requires another five to surpass his former Melbourne Storm teammate.
"Slats is an idol of mine," Addo-Carr told NRL.com. "He was a massive teacher when I was down in Melbourne. If I get to sit with him, that'd be pretty special.
"He's the best fullback to ever play the game so my name sitting next to him would be a privilege."
Match: Australia v New Zealand
Round 1 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
New Zealand
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
After making his NRL debut for the Tigers in 2016, Addo-Carr moved south to join the Storm the following year.
This was where the 22-year-old crossed paths with Slater, forming a bond that remains strong to this day.
The pair won a premiership together in 2017 and Slater showed the youngster what it takes to make it in the NRL.
A big three assist for Addo-Carr
From there, Addo-Carr has developed into a regular for his club, state and country and one of the best finishers in the game.
Given their history, Slater said it would be an honour to watch his former protege surpass him on the try-scoring tally.
"He's a great player and we all admire what he can do scoring tries, but one thing that impresses me with Josh is his ability to stop tries with his understanding of the game and his speed," Slater said.
"Records are there to be broken. It's probably not the only record of mine he'll break, he might surpass me in tries scored in the NRL. That wouldn't surprise me because he's such a good finisher and I know what he's capable of.
"What saw what he did in that game against the Bulldogs. That first try, not many people can score that try and he's certainly one of them."
Josh Addo-Carr Try
Australia's match against the Kiwis will be followed by games against Fiji and Cook Islands in Brisbane and Townsville.
New Zealand will return home to face the Aitu in a historic rugby league international match at the new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch before closing out the group stage against the Bati.
The Kangaroos are the defending champions, having won the past three World Cups but the international rugby league landscape has changed drastically throughout the past decade.
Samoa and Tonga have risen to sit alongside Australia, New Zealand and England, while Fiji, Papua New Guinea are close behind.
Cook Islands and Lebanon have also taken their performances to another level and it will not be a shock if they topple their more fancied rivals at this year's tournament.
The RLWC returns to Australia and the Pacific
The Kangaroos edged the Kiwis in the semi-final at the 2022 World Cup before defeating Samoa in the final.
Having played a key role in Australia's triumph four years ago, Addo-Carr knows the side must be at their best if they are to lift the trophy at Suncorp Stadium on November 15.
"It's been awesome what Andrew Abdo and Peter V'landys are trying to do for the game," Addo-Carr said. "These Pasifika boys going back to their heritage countries has been great for the game.
"You see the Samoan and Tongan fans packing out their stadiums and being proud of their people and their countries. That's what it's all about and we need our fans to come out, support us, and shout loud and proud."
The Kiwis enter this year's World Cup full of momentum after a dominant Pacific Championships campaign.
The success was built on the back of a dominant pack led by James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota, while Dylan Brown starred with multiple man of the match performances.
Kiwis v Toa Samoa - Final, 2025
While the Kangaroos are the pre-tournament favourites, New Zealand forward Scott Sorensen said his side thrives on shocking their trans-Tasman rivals.
"Being given the opportunity to play in the squad is something I'd be grateful for and would be very exciting," Sorensen said. "To be able to play Australia straight up in the first round is an incredible opportunity.
"Everyone in the Kiwi space is excited for what's ahead."
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