Monday Buzz: Reece Walsh v James Tedesco v Kalyn Ponga in race for Kangaroos’ No.1 jersey

A Kangaroos jersey is like a baggy green cap with loyalty and long service respected. But you also can’t ignore the young guns coming through, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

James Tedesco of the Kangaroos. Picture: Getty

A green and gold Kangaroos rugby league jersey is like a baggy green cap.

Reputation, long service and loyalty should carry enormous weight when they are being handed out.

Yet you cannot ignore the dynamic form of exciting youngsters banging on the selection-room door.

Which brings us to the point of this column.

Can James Tedesco hold-off challenges from Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights superstars Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga to retain the fullback jersey and the Australian captaincy?

It’s a decision coach Mal Meninga and his selectors Laurie Daley and Darren Lockyer will need to make in eight weeks before a Tri-Nations series against the Kiwis and Samoa.

We spoke to Meninga and former champion Balmain Tigers, NSW and Australian fullback Garry Jack to get their views.

James Tedesco is under pressure to retain his Kangaroos spot. Picture: Getty

Jack has had his own experience of being dumped from an Australian Test side.

“I’d played 22 straight Tests up until 1988,” he said.

“I remember I fumbled a ball in State of Origin and Jack Gibson replaced me during the game.

“I was 28 but that was it. Badge (Gary Belcher) took over as the Australian fullback.

“You can’t always rely on loyalty and nostalgia.”

This is why Jack is leaning towards the younger players.

“Teddy’s lost a yard of pace,” Jack said, “he’s not quite the player he once was.

“On current form it’s hard to go past Reece Walsh – and Ponga is number two.

“I know Tedesco has been there a long time. It’s very difficult but you can’t ignore that someone else is playing better.

“It happened to all the fullbacks. Chang (Graeme Langlands), Graham Eadie, it happened to me. You can’t go on forever and we all lose our Australian jerseys at some point.”

Meninga is not sure.

It is expected he will pick a squad of 20 for three games against Samoa, New Zealand and then a final.

He won’t need a back-up fullback because Latrell Mitchell or Cameron Munster can comfortably cover the position.

“It’s a difficult one and something we’ll be challenged on,” Meninga said.

“You can’t deny the form of Reece or Kalyn, the same with Dylan Edwards.

“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.

“Origin and NRL form is part of it but we won the World Cup and loyalty has got to be a factor.

“Obviously there are exceptions but I think Teddy’s now playing really well. His effort levels have been fantastic.”

Meninga’s comments certainly ease the tension and uncertainty for Tedesco.

He has had to cope with so much criticism this year over his State of Origin and Roosters form and leadership, some of it unwarranted, some of it fair enough. No matter how great you are, you are never entitled to a walk up guarantee to a NSW or Australian jumper.