One massive query has been raised forward of Australia’s Tri-Nations collection towards New Zealand and Samoa on the season’s finish — will James Tedesco put on the No.1?
With Broncos younger gun Reece Walsh taking part in a starring function each in clubland and for Queensland this season, his identify is firmly within the dialog for Kangaroos choice.
Meanwhile, veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield labelled Knights star Kalyn Ponga the NRL’s type participant amid a Newcastle finals surge.
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Reliable Panthers gun Dylan Edwards is one other participant in rivalry, whereas Tedesco’s type in 2023 has properly and actually come beneath the microscope with the Roosters finals hopes hanging by a thread.
Rothfield questioned if Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will stay loyal and choose the incumbent Australian skipper for this 12 months’s International collection.
“Am I being too harsh on James Tedesco to suggest when the Australian team is picked in seven weeks time that Teddy is under pressure from Reece Walsh, Kalyn Ponga and possibly Dylan Edwards?” Rothfield stated on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“Or does Teddy have one of those gold passes where he’s the incumbent fullback, the reigning World Cup fullback and captain. Does he just stay there despite these other guys?
“I have a feeling if the Roosters don’t make the eight and Walsh lights up (Accor) Stadium, I think Ponga is nearly the form player in the comp. Dylan Edwards won the Clive Churchill last year.
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“I think it is going to be a really interesting issue going into finals.”
Meninga, alongside selectors Laurie Daley and Darren Lockyer, shall be selecting their Kangaroos aspect in eight weeks time.
20 gamers will reportedly be named within the Australian squad, and Meninga revealed the choice name shall be a “difficult one”.
“You can’t deny the form of Reece or Kalyn, the same with Dylan Edwards,” Meninga stated to News Corp.
“But Teddy’s the incumbent and captain. At this stage there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be there. You always want the players who have never let you down.
“I think if Reece or Kalyn make the side it would more likely be in a utility position in the backline.
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“Origin and NRL form is part of it but we won the World Cup and loyalty has got to be a factor.”
While there may be competitors for the No.1 jersey, Rothfield expects Tedesco shall be named and in addition predicted Ponga can even function within the post-season collection.
“I probably expect them to stick with Tedesco, whether that’s the right call or not we will find out,” Rothfield stated.
“But I do think Ponga is a walk up start for the No.14 jersey for Australia… but I’d stick with Reece Walsh (for Queensland). I think Origin form is entitled to be a part of it.
“I think reputation and long service loyalty is the most important of everything, but you do have to look at form.
“He’s a champion, a superstar. But he has been down on form, and while he has Ponga and Walsh are the two most exciting (players in the competition).”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
