Tedesco acknowledges Kangaroos career may be over as Walsh favoured

James Tedesco believes his most recent appearance for Australia could be his last, with Reece Walsh favoured to play fullback when the Kangaroos face Samoa in their World Cup semi-final at Allianz Stadium.

Coach Kevin Walters has not announced his selection. Tedesco said he expected to provide cover for Walsh and was grateful to have had another opportunity to represent Australia, though he was unsure whether another would follow.

Tom Dearden and Sam Walker are also competing for the halfback position. Dearden said players were preparing to play regardless of selection and would accept the coaching staff’s decisions.

Walker’s future at the Roosters is unresolved after negotiations over a contract broke down, leaving him seeking a club for 2028. Chairman Nick Politis withdrew from talks with the 24-year-old after his Australian Test debut against Fiji, a position backed by coach Trent Robinson.

Tedesco said he had offered to help mediate between Walker and the club, but believed there was little he could do once Politis and Robinson had made their decision. He said he had also spoken privately with Walker and offered support amid public scrutiny.

The 33-year-old Tedesco is also in the final 12 months of his Roosters deal. He said he wanted to continue through the 2028 season before probably retiring, and identified reaching 300 games next year as his next milestone.