James Tedesco dreams of Australia debut
After beating out Cameron Smith for the prestigious RLPA player of the year award, James Tedesco is dreaming of playing alongside him in the green and gold.
Tedesco was on Tuesday night a shock winner for the Rugby League Players' Association Players' Champion.
The players' union award is voted by his peers and the Wests Tigers fullback was the most surprised man in the room when his name was read out ahead of the likes of Smith, Jason Taumalolo and Sam Burgess.
To cap an exciting 24 hours for the Sydney Roosters-bound No.1, he will on Wednesday morning be announced in Mal Meninga's Prime Minister's XIII side to take on Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby next weekend.
In a shot in the arm for the NSW custodian, it's understood he will be named at fullback for the side ahead of the likes of Josh Dugan, Valentine Holmes and Tom Trbojevic.
Since taking over the Australia head coaching job, Meninga has used the PM's XIII game as a selection trial and it puts Tedesco firmly in the frame for the World Cup.
"I'll be looking to take it with both hands and impress," Tedesco said.
"Not playing finals footy, it's a chance to impress the coach and put my name up there.
"I'll be looking to put my name up there for Australia."
The Kangaroos are well stocked for fullbacks with Darius Boyd - who is a chance to make a return from an injured hamstring for Brisbane on Friday - and Billy Slater as well as the likes of Dugan, Holmes and Trbojevic.
However with Australia to play three group matches and almost certainly to be involved in three finals, Tedesco is a chance for a spot in the wider squad.
He said he would take any position in the Australia backline, even if it meant playing on the wing - a position he is largely unfamiliar with.
He has played just three club games on the wing - for the Tigers in 2013 - as well as making three Test appearances for Italy at centre at the last World Cup.
"You look at all the great Australian fullbacks, they've all come through on the wings or in the centres," Tedesco said.
"Once they get that No.1 jersey they hold onto it.
"Fullback is my preferred position but I'll play anywhere in the backs."
