James Tedesco says he never contemplated taking a rest from international duty, adding that Latrell Mitchell would be sorely missed by the Kangaroos.
Australian rugby league coach Mal Meninga named his Test squad on Tuesday for the Pacific Championships, which kick off with the Kangaroos facing Samoa in Townsville on October 14.
Tedesco would have had good reason to sit out the end-of-year Tests given the Sydney Roosters’ struggles and question marks over his form this year.
The fact he and wife Maria have only recently welcomed their first-born child, daughter Rosie, into the world would have added to that, but Tedesco said he wanted to put Australia first.
”I always knew I would be in this situation at the end of the year with Tests and the baby due,” Tedesco told AAP.
”You don’t get these opportunities that come along and Maria is really supportive, so if I’m in a position to play for Australia and captain Australia then I’m going to take it.”
Tedesco has been under a mountain of pressure after the NSW State of Origin series loss, and says he has now become accustomed to critics wanting him to be removed from representative sides.
The likes of Dylan Edwards, Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga are snapping at Tedesco’s heels, but Meninga has given the 30-year-old his total backing as captain and fullback.
“Every team has a gun player who can play international footy,” Tedesco said.
“I’m grateful to be Australian captain and fullback in the era of fullbacks that we have.
“I know every year there’s guys who have great years that are pushing for a spot.
“While I’m here and while I have the jersey, I’m going to make the most of it.”
Tedesco said the Kangaroos would greatly miss Mitchell’s impact after he was one of the stars for Australia in last year’s Rugby League World Cup triumph.
At the request of South Sydney, Mitchell has withdrawn due to a hand injury, with Kotoni Staggs in line to fill the void.
“He (Mitchell) is so talented and you put him in this team every time,” Tedesco said.
“I don’t know what the situation was and why he couldn’t play.
“We’ll miss him. In the centres as well you can give him the ball and he can create something out of nothing, which he did numerous times for us last year.”
© AAP
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