James Tedesco, the Sydney Roosters’ captain, is making headlines once again, delivering a spectacular performance just as discussions intensify around the Kangaroos’ fullback selection for the upcoming international matches. The 31-year-old’s dominance in the Roosters’ 40-16 demolition of the Manly Sea Eagles has reignited debate over his omission from the State of Origin series and his potential selection for the Australian national team.
Tedesco, who was dropped from the Blues’ squad after their Game 1 loss to the Queensland Maroons in this year’s State of Origin, has evidently used his absence as motivation. The Roosters’ star was replaced by Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards, whose stellar performances in Game 2 and 3 helped New South Wales secure the series. However, Tedesco’s resurgence in form during the NRL finals has many speculating that the fullback role for the Kangaroos is still very much up for grabs.
In what was his 250th NRL appearance, Tedesco was at his absolute best against Manly, scoring two tries, providing two assists, and making seven tackle breaks while covering 183 metres. His commanding presence on the field earned him the well-deserved title of player-of-the-match. Roosters’ forwards relentlessly overpowered the Sea Eagles, setting up the team’s upcoming clash with the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary final, with Tedesco at the heart of the action.
Critics and fans alike have pointed out that Tedesco’s omission from the rest of the State of Origin series may have worked to his advantage, allowing him to recharge and refocus for the latter part of the season. Over the past year and a half, many had questioned whether the veteran fullback had lost a step in his game. However, his electrifying performance against Manly demonstrated that he is far from finished, showing flashes of speed and agility that silenced his doubters.
With Tedesco publicly expressing his desire to represent the Kangaroos at the end of the season, it’s clear he has his sights set on proving himself once again. “I want to play for the Kangaroos if Mal Meninga picks me,” Tedesco stated confidently, making it clear he is ready and able should the opportunity arise.
However, Tedesco faces stiff competition for the No. 1 jersey. Newcastle Knights’ Kalyn Ponga also threw his hat into the ring this week, declaring his ambitions to play for the Kangaroos after Newcastle’s NRL season came to an end. Ponga, who was named Dally M Medallist last year, has been in scintillating form and made a strong case for selection with a dazzling performance against the North Queensland Cowboys in his team’s final match. The Knights’ fullback recorded two line breaks, two try assists, seven tackle breaks, and ran 188 metres, in what was arguably the most dominant display of the game.
When asked if he was fit and available for Kangaroos selection, Ponga did not hesitate: “Yeah, I am. I’ve had no niggles in the back half of the season. I am fit and fighting,” he told SEN Radio on Saturday.
Adding further complexity to the selection debate, Dylan Edwards, who performed admirably in the State of Origin series, is currently managing an injury as the NRL finals progress. Meanwhile, coach Mal Meninga has already hinted that both Latrell Mitchell and Reece Walsh are unlikely to be selected for the Kangaroos due to their prolonged absences at the end of the season.
As the battle for the Kangaroos’ fullback spot heats up, Meninga is left with a challenging decision. Both Tedesco and Ponga have made compelling cases for selection, and the pressure is mounting as fans eagerly await to see which star will wear the No. 1 jersey when the Kangaroos take on Tonga and New Zealand in the upcoming internationals.
