It has been three years since James Tedesco last donned the Kangaroos colours – an absence that has not deterred him from clinching the highest accolades rugby league has to offer.
So what has changed to inspire his Test comeback in time for a World Cup assault?
“I don’t think much has changed,” Tedesco quipped, when reminded of all his accomplishments since he last graced the international arena.
“Off the field a lot’s changed for me; I’m a family man now with two girls, so there have been plenty of changes away from footy.
“But in terms of my footy, how I approach every week, my routine and preparation, that’s never really changed throughout my career.
“Coming into this team again, being around the best players in the game, you’ve just got to soak up all the moments you can. I think I’m the oldest here and the most experienced, so I’m just trying to pass on my knowledge where I can, but also enjoying being around the best players.”
Tedesco has not been seen in an Australian jumper since the 2023 Pacific Championships final capitulation against New Zealand, in which he and his teammates suffered a 30-0 humbling. His comeback will be complete when he runs out onto Suncorp Stadium on Sunday to face Fiji.
The 33-year-old has since undergone a renaissance. He has claimed both the Dally M and Clive Churchill medals – the latter this year, as he captained the Roosters to premiership glory and ran for an NRL record 383 metres – and regained his Blues’ jersey in 2026’s triumphant State of Origin campaign.
But his Kangaroos’ teammate Cameron Murray would not buy into the notion that Tedesco had been reborn since his axing from the national team.
“I wouldn’t call it a turnaround or a return to form, I think he’s always been in pretty good form, and he’s always been up there among the best since he’s been playing. He’s one of those champion players you want to play alongside,” Murray said.
“He’s always been up there setting the standards for some of the greats in the game. The way he plays definitely is inspiring as a teammate, and makes you not want to let him down.”
While Tedesco will get his opportunity to prove he is Australia’s premier No.1 this weekend, securing the position is no guarantee.
Coach Kevin Walters suggested after the Kangaroos’ 24-22 win against the Kiwis that Sydney’s grand final contingent had been rested, although Tedesco said on Monday from Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School he had been eager to line up.
In his absence, Reece Walsh staked a claim to the job. The Broncos’ livewire put on a World Cup clinic – scoring a breathtaking try and saving another on opposite number, Kalyn Ponga, in his first game since round 24 after recovering from a syndesmosis issue.
Tedesco, at least, was not viewing the next clash as the chance for him to fend off Walsh’s challenge.
“I don’t really see it like that. I don’t know if it’s going to be my last, but I know I should put all my energy and focus into this weekend and playing good footy,” Tedesco said.
“[Walsh] wants the big moments. He hadn’t played in seven weeks because of his injury, but he turned up in big moments and nailed them and executed.
“Last week once the decision was made that he was going to play, I said ‘whatever you need, I’m here to help’. Anything I can pass on, it’s up to him to take it on board, but he was really excited to take it on board.”
Tedesco’s premiership-winning halfback Sam Walker is also poised to earn his Test debut, where he is expected to line up in the halves alongside Tom Dearden. Cameron Munster is set to be rested, while Mitchell Moses’ World Cup is over after suffering a leg injury.
When the business end of the tournament approaches, Munster will be the hot favourite to retain the five-eighth duties, leaving Dearden and Walker to duke it out for the No.7 responsibilities.
Walker, who starred in his maiden Origin series for Queensland as Dearden recovered from an ankle injury, has Tedesco’s backing to shine on the world stage.
“He’s had a great year, debuting for Queensland, a premiership and now Australia at the young age he is,” Tedesco said of Walker.
“We know how he plays. He plays high-instinct footy and takes opportunities when he sees them. He has also worked hard on the effort areas of the game that not many people see like his kicking and kick chase, he’s been so good at.
“Learning from Chez [Daly Cherry-Evans] has been great for his development. I know he’ll be ready to go.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
