EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns tips 'out of this world' star to win Kangaroos' No.1 jersey as debate rages
Two of the most respected voices in rugby league, Phil Gould and Andrew Johns are split on who's in the box seat to wear the Kangaroos' No.1 jersey for the Pacific Championships, with Kalyn Ponga, James Tedesco, Dylan Edwards and Tom Trbojevic all starting finals campaigns with the chance to convince Mal Meninga of their worthiness for the job.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour, legendary Newcastle halfback Johns picked Kalyn Ponga to take over as Australia's fullback, while also tipping Cowboys skipper Tom Dearden to make his Test debut, partnering Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves for the Kangaroos' opening clash against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium on Friday October 18.
"There's some positions open. [Cameron] Munster won't play he'll have an operation on his hip," Johns said. "Nathan [Cleary] won't play he needs a reconstruction on his shoulder.
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"If a team was picked tomorrow you'd pick Kalyn (as fullback). I know Tedesco is captain and incumbent.
The Australian Kangaroos look dejected following the Pacific Championships final between the Kangaroos and Kiwis at Waikato Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) Getty
"Dylan Edwards has a busted knee, and on form at the moment, it's between Kalyn and Tedesco. Trbojevic and Tedesco are once in a generation players but Kalyn, what he did last weekend is out of this world. He's beyond superstar status.
"DCE will be halfback if he's fit. In the five-eighth position, Mitchell Moses says he wants to play.
"Considering he hasn't played since Origin three, if I was Jason Ryles I'd be calling him in.
"He hasn't played for three months. And maybe Tom Dearden. They played in the Origin together. He competes, he's tough and defends strong."
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The fullback position is a hotly contested one, with Gould acknowledging any team who makes a deep run through the finals could have their No.1 named, with Ryan Papenhuyzen another bolter who could put up his hand.
Yet the Bulldogs official endorsed Tedesco for the role, arguing he has been in much better form this year than last.
Gould was a vocal critic of the NSW fullback's form last year, but views this season through a different lens.
He said for the Kangaroos to avoid another hammering after the 30-0 flogging at the hands of New Zealand in last year's Pacific Championships final, selectors must go with players from the teams that perform in September.
"James Tedesco is going a hell of a lot better this year than he was last year," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
Kalyn Ponga of the Knights. Getty
"His team gets in the finals and his team wins a couple of games there's no reason not to pick him if he's the best option around.
"All I said last year was if the Roosters don't make the eight, and Reece Walsh and Dylan Edwards make the grand final then one of those two should be picked. I never gave in to that incumbent rubbish."
