James Tedesco will be elevated straight to the captaincy when he runs out for his first game for the Kangaroos in three years.
Tedesco has been named at fullback for Australia’s men’s Rugby League World Cup clash with Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday.
It marks the 33-year-old’s first cap in green and gold since the 2023 Pacific Championship final, when he led the Kangaroos to a shock 30-0 loss to New Zealand.
Since his last Test appearance, Tedesco has won back his NSW jersey, claimed last year’s Dally M Medal and was the Clive Churchill medallist as Roosters captain earlier this month.
On Sunday night at Lang Park, Tedesco will return to the team after coach Kevin Walters made the decision to rotate through his squad to try to find his best line-up.
Walters named four debutants in the 23-strong squad, with halfback Sam Walker, centre Bradman Best, hooker Blayke Brailey and back rower David Fifita all set to start.
Walker’s debut will double as a play-off with halves partner Tom Dearden as both bye to replace the injured Mitchell Moses in the seven jersey for the rest of the campaign.
The bench and extended squad are filled out by starters from the Kangaroos’ 24-22 win over the Kiwis in their tournament opener, including regular captain Isaah Yeo and fullback Reece Walsh, who staked his claim in a barnstorming return from injury with a long-range solo try and a try-saver on opposite number Kalyn Ponga.
If Tedesco aims up, it could leave Walters with a major selection call to make at the pointy end of the tournament.
“Those big moments; he hadn’t played in six, seven weeks but he turned up in big moments and nailed them,” Tedesco, the oldest member of the squad at 33, said of Walsh.
“He was great all week, asking for advice, but it’s not a competition. I’ve got an opportunity and all I can do is make the most of it and do my role.
“Walshy does things on the field so it’s about knowing my game and being an experienced leader.
“Walshy, he was soaking up anything I had to say last week and I enjoy that role.”
Kangaroos squad to face Fiji:
- James Tedesco (capt)
- Jack Bostock
- Kotoni Staggs
- Bradman Best
- Tom Trbojevic
- Tom Dearden
- Sam Walker
- Keaon Koloamatangi
- Blayke Brailey
- Lindsay Smith
- David Fifita
- Reuben Cotter
- Cameron Murray
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- Jacob Preston
- Patrick Carrigan
- Cameron Munster
- Reece Walsh
- Latrell Mitchell
- Liam Martin
- Harry Grant
- Isaah Yeo
- Ethan Strange
ABC/AAP
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