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He was ridiculed at the time for his post-Origin getaway, but James Tedesco says his Byron Bay escape played a big part in his late-season form surge – and stopped Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga taking his Kangaroos No.1 jersey.

Despite the hype surrounding Walsh and Dally M winner Ponga and their Test claims, Tedesco’s place in the Australian team was never in doubt with coach Mal Meninga.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the selectors were unanimous in their decision to keep Tedesco as fullback and captain.

V’landys, who last week labelled Walsh the “Justin Bieber of rugby league”, said Tedesco was “the Ed Sheeran of rugby league, because he’s someone who also packs stadiums”.

New father Tedesco was excellent for the Sydney Roosters at the end of the season and said a few days away on the far NSW north coast with his wife, Maria, helped him reset.

“I copped some flak for that, didn’t I?” Tedesco said. “But it definitely helped.

James Tedesco had a sluggish start to the season, but played a key role in dragging the Roosters into the finals.Credit: Getty

“I got a lot of confidence out of that last Origin game, and that took some weight off my shoulders. I wanted to get back to playing my footy.”

The Roosters scraped into the finals, defeated Cronulla in one of their bravest performances, before narrowly losing to the Storm in a semi-final in Melbourne.

Tedesco said the off-field headlines created by Angus Crichton’s mental struggles at the start of the year, Jason Ryles’ departure, Joseph Suaalii signing with rugby and Matt Lodge’s mid-year exit all took a toll.

“There was so much stuff going on outside of our club and you want to say it doesn’t affect you, but it probably did in the end,” Tedesco said.

James Tedesco was under pressure to keep his Origin jumper after a mixed series.Credit: NRL Photos

As for the talk of losing his Kangaroos jersey, Tedesco said: “I know those guys [Walsh and Ponga] had great years and have been very successful. There are three or four of them who could easily play [fullback] for Australia, and they will play for Australia sooner rather than later.

“Reece Walsh is unbelievable. He’s only young, and in a couple of years he will be wearing the Australian jersey.

“But while I’m here, and while I’m the Australian fullback and captain, I want to make the most of it and be successful like I was at the World Cup last year. That was a successful campaign for us, and I loved every minute of it.

“I want to keep enjoying my time while I can.”

Suaalii will not feature for Samoa against Tedesco’s Kangaroos on October 14 after withdrawing from the Pacific Championships because of concussion protocols. He will return for the Roosters in 2024 before linking with Rugby Australia. The Roosters have a glut of wing talent with Suaalii, recruit Dominic Young and the club’s greatest try-scorer Daniel Tupou all vying for two wing spots.

“I’m not sure what it looks like next year with Dom Young coming, but it’s good to have depth, and it’s a good headache to have,” Tedesco said.

“Joey has shown the last few years his best footy is on the wing. He’s that talented he can play anywhere, but for us, and what he’s done on the wing, that’s his best spot.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand have been forced to turn to Danny Levi and Fa’amanu Brown as hooking options for the Pacific Championships. The Kiwis on Wednesday unveiled a 21-man squad for the tournament, with Dylan Brown and Jahrome Hughes set to retain their spots in the halves.

Roosters hooker Brandon Smith has been sidelined by a hand injury, while Jeremy Marshall-King is unavailable with shoulder trouble.

Joey Manu is also included, after missing the end of the season for the Sydney Roosters with a hamstring injury, while the Kiwis pack looks dangerous.

Shaun Johnson, Marata Niukore, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Sebastian Kris, Scott Sorensen, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Te Maire Martin, Tohu Harris and Jordan Riki are all unavailable through a combination of injury, suspension and personal reasons.

New Zealand: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brown, Fa’amanu Brown, James Fisher-Harris, Kieran Foran, Wiremu Greig, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Moses Leota, Danny Levi, Joseph Manu, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Griffin Neame, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Naufahu Whyte.

Tonga (to tour England): Latu Fainu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tyson Frizell, Siliva Havili, William Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Isaiya Katoa, Eliesa Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tolutau Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Haumole Olakau’atu, Will Penisini, Hame Sele, Mosese Suli, Tevita Tatola, Dion Teaupa, Starford To’a, Daniel Tupou, Siua Wong.

with AAP

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