In his first international match since 2023, James Tedesco has delivered a masterclass to help Australia survive an almighty scare from Fiji to book a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.

Holding the lead several times throughout the 80 minutes, Fiji came agonisingly close to pulling off one of the biggest World Cup upsets in recent memory as they pushed the defending champions to the brink.

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However, whenever the Kangaroos found themselves under pressure, Tedesco stood tall and produced the plays to help Australia regain control of the contest.

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Finishing with 146 running metres, five tackle busts, three line-break assists and four try assists, the performance comes less than a month after he claimed the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal.

“Tedesco is untouchable,” Andrew Voss said on Channel Seven.

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 25: James Tedesco of Australia passes during the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup match between Australia Kangaroos and Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Tedesco’s former teammate Luke Keary added, “Brilliant work from James Tedesco.”

“Just when you think they are out of their feet, Tedesco goes bang.”

His form also creates a selection headache for coach Kevin Walters, with Reece Walsh still firmly in the frame for the Kangaroos No.1 jersey come finals time.

The dilemma will give selectors plenty to think about heading into the final group-stage match against the Cook Islands and the remainder of the tournament.

Tom Trbojevic also scored three tries on the wing for the Kangaroos, while Patrick Carrigan was instrumental from the interchange bench, with 104 running metres and 17 tackles.

Match Centre: Australia v Fiji, live blog, result

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 25: Tom Trbojevic of Australia runs the ball around to score a try during the 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup match between Australia Kangaroos and Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on October 25, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

BIG HITS

FIJI’S SPINE SHINES

They may have been on the wrong side of the result, but Fiji’s spine were in fine form against the Kangaroos.

Despite losing fullback Bayleigh Bentley-Hape to injury early in the match, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham and Apisai Korisau troubled the Kangaroos with their attacking flair and creativity.

“He has kept them in the right spots, and his confidence has gone through the roof,“ Lote Tuqiri said about Wakeham.

Not only did the trio combine for four try assists and four line-break assists, but their performance and relationship with one another on the field caught the attention of former premiership winner Luke Keary

“This is outstanding work from Fiji. Brandon Wakeham is the controller here after Api helps hold up the defence,” Keary said.

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When asked about Wakeham, Roosters coach Trent Robinson added, “He’s the one who’s really set up (everything).”

“This is as good as I’ve seen him at halfback. It’s been really impressive to watch.”

“It’s a massive step, but how good is he going?” Andrew Voss added.

Fiji will take plenty of confidence into next weekend’s match against the New Zealand Kiwis with a World Cup semi-final spot on the line.

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