‘It was a tough decision’: Kevvy explains bold Tedesco World Cup snub

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has explained the “tough” decision to pick Reece Walsh as his fullback for Thursday’s Rugby League World Cup opener against New Zealand.

Despite having not played since August, it was Walsh given the No.1 over Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco.

Speaking on 2GB on Tuesday afternoon, Walters suggested the decision was part of a broader rotational policy for the early stages of the competition.

"James has had a big four or five weeks with the Roosters … and he was outstanding in the grand final," he said.

“We know what he brings to the Kangaroos, (but) given the month that he’s had, (give him) a little bit of a rest this week, and we’ll get him out in the green and gold next week against Fiji.

“It was a tough decision and very hard to tell James. He took it very professionally, and I’m sure he’s just getting himself right, getting the body back into game mode and he’ll play next week.”

Walters said similar thinking was behind his decision to name Mitchell Moses at No.7 over Sam Walker.

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Walker made a sensational return to the Roosters team barely a month after undergoing syndesmosis surgery.

“It’s more precautionary,” he said of the decision to leave out Walker.

“Moses had a very good season for Parramatta and a very good Origin series. He was wonderful last year on the tour – although he didn’t play – he was good around the side.

“We’ll give him the first opportunity to wear the No.7 and Sam will get his chance next week.”

In a post to X, Phil Gould shared a graphic showing how few finals games were played by the Kangaroos team picked for the New Zealand game.

Jack Bostock, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo were the only three to play beyond the first week, and none picked for the New Zealand game played the grand final. Nine players were picked from teams who didn’t make the finals at all.

The Kiwis, meanwhile, had three players involved in the grand final, and nine of the 17 involved in the prelims. Only one – Joseph Tapine – was picked from a team that finished outside the eight.

Gould was also critical of the Walsh selection.

"Selection for the Australian team should be based on form, (and) it should always be a reward for recent performances," he wrote.

"James Tedesco is easily the form fullback option in that Australian squad at this time. I can only assume this selection decision is based on other criteria, or a longer-term strategy, or he is carrying an injury and isn't 100 per cent.

"Reece Walsh is a superstar on his day. James Tedesco is a superstar every day."

The Kangaroos and Kiwis World Cup opener is at Allianz Stadium at 8.05pm Thursday.