James Tedesco Returns at Fullback for Australia Against Fiji
James Tedesco will step straight into the captaincy and fullback jersey for Australia’s men’s Rugby League World Cup clash against Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday, abc.net.au reported. The 33-year-old’s elevation comes as coach Kevin Walters rotates his squad following a nail-biting tournament opener against New Zealand, creating a high-stakes selection battle for the remainder of the campaign.
Selection Shifts and Squad Rotation Under Kevin Walters
Walters made selection decisions for the tournament opener, a decision that initially drew heavy criticism before Jack Bostock’s dramatic hat-trick secured a 24-22 victory over the Kiwis at Allianz Stadium, according to 7NEWS. Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh also made a barnstorming return from injury, scoring a long-range solo try and making a crucial try-saver. With Mitchell Moses sidelined by a calf injury requiring scans, halfback Sam Walker and Tom Dearden are competing for the vacant seven jersey. Tedesco acknowledged Walsh’s impact, noting that despite the competition for the fullback spot, his own focus remains on leadership and executing his role.
Australia Faces Pacific Talent in Group A
Australia enters the tournament as a powerhouse 12-time champion, though opponents like New Zealand, Tonga, and Samoa present an unprecedented wave of Pacific talent, RTL Today reported. The Kangaroos have historically dominated the international stage, winning nine of the last ten World Cups, with their only blip a 34-20 defeat against New Zealand in 2008. Group A features Australia alongside New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, with the tournament culminating in the final in Brisbane on November 15.
Why Was James Tedesco Absent and Mitchell Moses Injured?
Why was James Tedesco not playing for Australia recently?
Tedesco’s last Test appearance prior to this selection was the 2023 Pacific Championship final, where he captained the Kangaroos to a 30-0 loss against New Zealand, abc.net.au reported.
What injury forced Mitchell Moses out of the opening match?
Moses limped off the field shortly after halftime with a calf injury that required medical scans, according to 7NEWS.
How many Rugby League World Cups have the Kangaroos won?
Australia has claimed 12 World Cup titles, winning nine of the last ten tournaments, RTL Today reported.
More on James Tedesco
He's back, and he's captain!James Tedesco has been recalled for his first Kangaroos Test since 2023, called back into the side as captain to face Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday night.Tedesco replaces Reece Walsh, who played in Australia's Rugby League World Cup-opening win over… pic.twitter.com/t9FwFX4rJp
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