Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has continued to back skipper James Tedesco as the incumbent No.1 batted away questions about representative retirement.
Tedesco, 30, has been Meninga's fullback of choice since Billy Slater pulled on a Kangaroos jersey for the final time in 2017, but is now facing some strong competition for his spot in both the Australian and New South Wales sides.
Breathing down his neck for the Kangaroos jersey are Queensland duo Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga, while Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards has also been touted as a potential Tedesco successor for both state and country having reeled off three straight NRL premierships as Ivan Cleary's go-to No.1.
READ MORE: Last-placed England star's bizarre Aussie sledge
READ MORE: India stun World Cup rival with 19-ball horror
READ MORE: Crisis meeting called after $1m Warriors star's exit plea
Ahead of the Kangaroos' Pacific Championships final against the Kiwis, Meninga was impressed when told that his skipper considered his season to be unsuccessful.
"He's a competitor. That's what you like about him," Meninga said.
"I understand that statement. Players want to be successful and play in wining teams, that didn't happen for him this year, so he probably feels a little bit unfulfilled."
When asked by 9News Sydney if he'd consider walking away from the Kangaroos jersey, Tedesco did not mince his words, despite admitting it had been "tough" to spend time away from his young daughter, who is just six weeks old.
"Oh no," he said.
"I'm just enjoying every moment I can, any chance I get to represent my country, to wear the Australian jersey, and to captain."
Meninga has opted to play Tedesco and Edwards together in the Kangaroos' Pacific Championships campaign, shifting the Penrith fullback to a slightly unfamiliar position on the wing.
It's a combination he thinks could work for the Blues moving forward.
Watch the Kangaroos take on New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Championships final on Nine and 9Now
"Versatility is really important at the rep level, there's no doubt about that," he said.
"Dylan is a great fella and he's a highly intelligent player. He did start his career on the wing for Penrith, he got his first shot at first-grade on the wing, and he's handled it really well.
"His footy IQ is enormous. Obviously he's great under the high ball and his kick-reception work, which he does at fullback anyway, is really strong, and he's got a good sense defensively.
"He deserves to be there (for NSW). He's just been hanging on the fringe because of James Tedesco. I'm a big fan of James and what he's done in the game, so that's got to be respected.
"His (Edwards') form in the NRL in the last few years deserves an opportunity to play representative football."
Tedesco and Edwards will line up alongside each other once again for Meninga's Kangaroos when they face the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships final at 3pm AEDT on Saturday.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.