James Tedesco has retired from international rugby league after a late cameo in the Kangaroos’ 32-12 World Cup final win over New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night. The former Australia captain confirmed after full-time it was his last game in the green and gold.
Tedesco spent most of the tournament behind Reece Walsh in the No.1 jersey, but coach Kevin Walters sent him on with six minutes left and the result beyond doubt.
“This will be my last time wearing the Australian jersey,” Tedesco told former Roosters teammate Luke Keary on Seven at full-time, Nine reported. “To get a couple of minutes in a World Cup is special.”
“Yeah, last one,” he added. “That’s me done.”
Walters didn’t know
Walters revealed in his post-match press conference that Tedesco had not told him the final would be his last Test.
“He didn’t tell me, no,” Walters said, Fox Sports reported.
Read more: Latrell Mitchell Out of World Cup Final, Tedesco Called Up
“Because I respect him as a player and as a person and what he’s done for our game as a former Australian captain,” Walters said of the decision to bring Tedesco on. “I thought with the scoreline where it was, without being disrespectful, he needed to get on the field and for him to experience that.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson, calling the game for Seven, praised the move. “Well done, Kevvie,” Robinson said on commentary, 7NEWS reported, describing it as “just a nod of respect from Kevvie to Ted”.
A big year to finish on
Tedesco captained Australia to the 2022 World Cup title in England and won the Clive Churchill Medal in the Roosters’ grand final win six weeks ago. He finishes with 15 Tests and nine tries for Australia, as well as six Tests for Italy, according to Nine.
Read more: Kangaroos vs Kiwis Record: Head-to-Head History Since 1908
Walsh, the man who kept Tedesco out of the starting side, set up a try for Tom Trbojevic in the final, while Liam Martin and Jack Bostock scored two tries each as the Kangaroos won a fourth straight World Cup.
“I didn’t know it was his last game for Australia … but I’m so glad that happened now because he’s been a champion in the jersey and for the sport,” Walters said, according to Nine.
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