Angus Crichton is the best option to fill the sizeable hole in the centres vacated by Latrell Mitchell at Sydney Roosters, according to star James Tedesco.
Crichton was solid in his first appearance as a three-quarter in the club's World Club Challenge win over St Helens on Sunday morning.
And, after making a living in the forwards over the first four years of his career, Crichton now is a strong chance of finding a new home in the backline.
Tedesco believes it's where he'll play in their season-opener against Penrith.
"To be honest, he's probably our best solution at the moment," Tedesco said at Fox Sports' NRL launch on Tuesday.
"We have a few young guys who you probably can't throw them in week in, week out, to start the year. I think Angus did a good job for us.
"And I can't see why he can't handle (it). He'll obviously keep working and keep learning new things out in the centres, but pretty solid."
There was a brief scare during the match when Crichton went down with a sickening concussion, however was cleared of serious injury.
"Obviously he got his head in a bad position and got concussed, but he was fine after the game. He was fine yesterday as well," Tedesco said.
The focus for the defending premiers now turns to their preparations for a shot at a historic three-peat, a potential feat Tedesco was quick to shut down.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson objected to any talk of going back-to-back last year before his side claimed consecutive titles with their triumph over Canberra.
"People always ask about it, but pretty similar to last year. We didn't think about going back-to-back," Tedesco said.
"We just kept thinking about what we had to do on the training park, the things we need to keep winning week in, week out, and focusing on the game ahead."
The Roosters finalise their pre-season with a trial against Newcastle in Gosford on Saturday, however it is unclear how many of their regulars will play.
Australian Associated Press
