James Tedesco may have made Kevin Walters’ biggest selection call of the World Cup even harder, strengthening his claim to Australia’s No.1 jersey.

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While Reece Walsh shone in the Kangaroos’ opening win over New Zealand, Tedesco seized his opportunity against Fiji, delivering a dominant display at both ends of the field and setting up a contest between two in-form fullbacks for one spot.

Finishing with 146 running metres, five tackle busts, three line-break assists and four try assists, he was virtually unstoppable as the 2026 Clive Churchill Medallist delivered when it mattered the most.

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Speaking after the match, Walters praised Tedesco and highlighted the veteran’s impact in both attack and defence.

“He (stood up) and that’s what you expect from this guy,” the Kangaroos coach said.

“He’s been doing it for a long time, and he was one of the differences out there for Australia.

“Certainly, his work in attack was very good. In defence, he was very good. He’s a world-class player. That’s why he’s been the player he is for a long time.”

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Asked about who will be Australia’s fullback heading into next week’s clash against the Cook Islands and the remainder of the tournament, Walters remained tight-lipped.

However, the Kangaroos coach insisted it was a “great situation” to have both Tedesco and Walsh competing for one spot after their respective standout performances.

“I wouldn’t call it a headache because it’s a great situation to be in,” Walters said.

“To have two of the best fullbacks in the game available for us, they just keep producing so we’ll have a chat and have some decisions made for next week.

“Just very grateful we have both these guys in our squad because I thought Reece was one of our best players in game one and James was tonight one of our best players as well.

“It’s a good position to be in.”

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