Walters leaves fullback contest open despite Walsh selection
James Tedesco will get his opportunity against Fiji in Brisbane after being rested for Australia's Rugby League World Cup opener against New Zealand.
Reece Walsh will start at fullback against New Zealand in Australia's opening Rugby League World Cup match, but Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters says he has not settled on his preferred player for the position.
Walters said James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker were being rested after helping the Sydney Roosters win the NRL grand final. Both will play against Fiji in Brisbane, giving Tedesco an opportunity to press his case for the No.1 jersey.
Tedesco captained Australia to the World Cup title four years ago. Walters said he valued the different qualities of the two fullbacks, pointing to Tedesco's experience and Walsh's development.
The opener at Sydney's Allianz Stadium will be Walsh's first competitive appearance in close to two months following an ankle injury sustained while playing for his club. Walters said the Brisbane Broncos player had prepared well.
Mitchell Moses comes into the halves alongside five-eighth Cameron Munster, while Harry Grant remains the hooker. Moses did not play during last year's Ashes tour, when he was Nathan Cleary's understudy. Cleary is missing the World Cup after suffering a compound ankle fracture.
Walters highlighted Moses' experience and kicking as important assets, and said the halfback and Munster were calm in handling different match situations.
