Snubbed James Tedesco to be named in the Italy Rugby League World Cup squad

OVERLOOKED Kangaroos fullback James Tedesco has jumped at the chance to represent Italy at the Rugby League World Cup.

ARRIVEDERCI, Big Mal.

James Tedesco wasted no time dwelling over his Kangaroos snub by declaring his allegiance to Italy just hours after being left out of Australia’s World Cup squad.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Tedesco will be officially be named in the Italian side to take part in the tournament, which kicks off later this month.

And the Italians couldn’t be happier to land the player they rate as the second best fullback in the world behind Billy Slater.

Australian coach Mal Meninga opted for fullbacks Slater, Darius Boyd and Tom Trbojevic ahead of Tedesco, the RLPA player of the year.

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Tedesco can count himself unlucky to miss out. (AAP Image/NRL)

Slater is favourite to be the Kangaroos’ starting fullback.

Meninga confirmed his 24-man squad which included seven members of the grand final-winning Melbourne Storm side.

Tedesco, a Sydney Rooster next season, was the omission most questioned and scrutinised.

Italian officials pounced, making immediate contact with Tedesco, who instantly agreed to represent the Azzurri.

“I’m disappointed to miss out but it will be nice to play with some of my real good mates in the Italian side,” Tedesco said.

Australia’s loss is Italy’s gain. AFP Photo/Paul Ellis

Italian manager Reno Santaguida expressed shock — yet excitement — that Tedesco missed Australian selection.

“I am quite surprised by the non-selection of James after another fantastic season,” he said.

“Apart from Billy Slater I think he is the next best fullback in the world. Italy will welcome him home with open arms.

“I know Teddy very well I know this will make him more determined than ever.

“James is passionate about his heritage he makes no secret of that, especially living with his Nonna for sometime during his years at Wests Tigers.

“This will give him satisfaction when pulling on the Azzurri jersey again.”

Meninga has an embarrassment of riches. (AAP Image/David Moir)

Meninga spoke of his powerful squad, which will start red-hot favourites to capture the World Cup, starting with an October 27 Test against England in Melbourne.

Told Tedesco’s omission would “raise a few eyebrows”, Meninga said: “Yeah, I would agree with that. We obviously thought about it in great depth.

“We have a great array of rugby league fullbacks playing in our competition at the moment. We have the Clive Churchill Medal-winning fullback in Billy Slater and the incumbent, Darius Boyd, who has never lost a Test match in a green and gold jersey.

“It was just such a difficult decision. It came down to versatility and the ability to play a number of positions and unfortunately James missed out.”

Other points of interest in the Roos squad include:

* Boyd Cordner being named vice-captain.

* Six debutants — Dane Gagai, Wade Graham, Felise Kaufusi, Jordan McLean, Cameron Munster and Tom Trbojevic — being named.

* Penrith’s Josh Mansour on standby should Boyd’s hamstring fail to recover.

* Canterbury’s Josh Jackson being overlooked.

* Every player being guaranteed to play some role in the tournament.

* Meninga ringing winger Blake Ferguson to explain his omission, claiming the Sydney Roosters star was “clearly upset (but) I had to be honest with him around his form.”

* The NRL integrity unit telling selectors there wasn’t any player unavailable through off-field issues.

Meninga also denied Ferguson’s boozy night out in State of Origin damaged his chances, particularly with his drinking partner, Josh Dugan, winning selection.

Australia will play an exhibition game against PNG and Fiji in Suva on October 14.

“We’ve got great depth in all our positions — we have picked our best balanced team with great versatility,” Meninga said.