The Mole: League legend crowns Josh Addo-Carr as quickest player ever seen
Legendary winger Larry Corowa has given Kangaroos 'X-factor' Josh Addo-Carr a stunning accolade in the lead-up to next weekend's World Cup final.
Addo-Carr has been among the players of the tournament, scoring a record-equalling 12 tries in the build-up to the clash with Samoa.
Corowa, a glamour boy in the 1970s for Balmain and Australia, has rated Addo-Carr as the quickest player he has ever seen.
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But Corowa has qualified his views, declaring the man known as 'The Foxx' is not quite in the category of the game's best wingers… yet.
Josh Addo-Carr of Australia celebrates their sides sixth try with team mates during the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool B match between Australia and Scotland at The Coventry Building Society Arena on October 21, 2022 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images for RLWC) Getty
"He's the fastest bloke I've ever seen - the acceleration is incredible," Corowa said in the wake of Addo-Carr's stunning try against the Kiwis in the Cup semi-final last weekend.
"I've been a big fan since I first saw him play as a young kid with the Tigers.
"You just can't give him an inch - he will punish you. He is a fantastic winger, up there with the best we have seen.
"But I'd still rate him behind the likes of Ken Irvine, Johnny King, Eric Grothe, Terry Faheay and John Ferguson.
Addo-Carr has crossed over for 12 tries so far during a stellar Rugby League World Cup campaign Gareth Copley via Getty Images
"He's got time to get up there and join them though, and he has the ability and the passion."
Many old timers regard Corowa himself as the fastest player in league history - so how does he rate his chances against Addo-Carr?
"I reckon it would be a dead heat," Corowa said with a laugh.
Corowa scored 65 tries in 100 games for Balmain, bagging 24 in one season.
He showed his pace by beating noted speedster Steve Proudlock, the winner of the prestigious Stawell Gift in 1978, in a 100m challenge race.
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