New captain Tedesco determined to lead Australia by example

By James Toney It's a good job James Tedesco is as adept at deflecting praise as he is at breaking tackles. Ad Australian coach Mal Meninga made no secret of the fact the full-back is the first name on his team sheet after anointing him captain this month. Rugby LeagueKiwi coach Maguire right at home back in England39 MINUTES AGO Just a few days later the Sydney Roosters star was recognised as the NRL's top player by his peers for the third time, after another stellar season backed up by eye-catching stats.

However, staying grounded and keeping level-headed will be key in the Kangaroos' defence of their Rugby League World Cup title, which starts against Fiji in Leeds this weekend. And Tedesco, the best number one in the game, has certainly matured since his previous two World Cup appearances with Italy in 2013 and 2017. «I'm enjoying being captain and I'm learning a lot,» he said.

«I've spoken with some former captains to get their advice, I realise what a responsibility and honour it is and I couldn't be taking it more seriously. »Boyd Cordner told me just to be myself and that's what I'm sticking to. I've been trying to lead by example on and off the field and make sure we're all connected.

«We have a lot of special players coming from different ways of playing the game, so we have to leave those ways at the door and make sure we're on the same page. »It's nice to get personal praise but this is a team sport and I just want to lead this team to success. It's not as easy as 20 years ago when Australia would just be dominant.