Roosters fullback James Tedesco has withdrawn from Kangaroos selection in a huge blow to Kevin Walters’ chances of winning the Ashes series against England.

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The Daily Telegraph reported Tedesco withdrew from contention to regain his Kangaroos No.1 jersey from incumbent Dylan Edwards and contender Reece Walsh for the upcoming Ashes Tour.

Tedesco, who was selected in a preliminary squad by selectors on Sunday, informed the ARL commission on Monday afternoon that he was reluctantly pulling out of the tour to be the best man at his brother’s wedding.

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Tedesco is the favourite to win the Dally M Medal after a stunning resurgence in 2025, after losing his NSW and Kangaroos jerseys last season.

Edwards and Walsh who clashed in Brisbane’s preliminary final win are expected to be picked for the Tour in Tedesco’s absence.

Tedesco’s Ashes withdrawal comes as Samoan centre Stephen Crichton was ruled out of the Pacific Championships because of a serious ankle injury.

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James Tedesco has withdrawn from the Kangaroos Ashes Tour.Source: Getty Images

The syndesmosis injury will rule him out of a strong Samoan side bidding to win the Pacific Championships for the first time with Payne Haas defecting from Australia.

“Not the way I wanted the season to end but God’s plan is always greater than mine,” Crichton posted on his Instagram account.

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“With a season filled with highs and lows I’m truly grateful to be a part of the blue and white! Super excited for what’s to come for this great club. Big love to the best fans in the world. We go again.

“Footy for 2k25 done and dusted.”