Reece Walsh expecting James Tedesco to give coach Kevin Walters a ‘headache’

Kangaroos superstar Reece Walsh doesn’t believe he has cemented the fullback position for the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup despite playing a starring role in the win over New Zealand last week.

Much of the talk in the build-up to the tournament was the race for the No.1 with Walsh eventually getting the nod over Sydney Roosters premiership hero James Tedesco.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Reece Walsh on Kangaroos selection over Tedesco

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Walsh also came into the tournament with questions around his fitness after a nasty ankle injury ended his NRL season early.

But he put any doubts to bed with a barnstorming effort against the Kiwis, scoring a long-range solo try and saving another with a huge tackle on Kalyn Ponga in Australia’s two-point win.

Tedesco is set to start on Sunday against Fiji with Walsh expecting the Clive Churchill medallist to give coach Kevin Walters a big selection “headache”.

“I think a lot of noise surrounding it, with the weeks and months leading into it,” Walsh said on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League.

“And obviously Teddy coming off the Clive Churchill and winning the grand final. He’s a superstar and I’m just really grateful to be in camp and learning off him.

“I wouldn’t say Kevvie’s sold on anyone’s position at the moment. He all sat us down and pretty much said that, everyone’s going to get an opportunity to go out there and show what they’re made of.

“I was fortunate enough to get the first game and I think Ted’s going to play against Fiji this week and I’m sure he’s going to go out there and kill it and make a headache for Kevvie.”

Walsh isn’t yet sure what his role will be on Sunday but is happy to do anything.

“Hopefully coming off the injury, I can keep getting some game time and wherever Kevvie needs me, I’ll put my hand up,” he said.

“I know there’s a few sore boys and some boys have had some long years.

“Wherever he needs me, I’ll fill in and hopefully do a role. I’m sort of excited as well.”

Walsh also paid tribute to superstar Kalyn Ponga, admitting he “enjoyed” the Kiwi’s stunning long-range try despite being on the wrong end of a brilliant goose step.

“He set me up, I think that first break he made, he sort of did the goosey and then he tried to take me on the outside and I was thinking, ‘oh yep, another easy tackle here’ and then bang, he was gone,” he said.

“He’s a superstar. He’s so hard to go up against. You boys would know versing full-backs and people with good feet. You don’t know what they’re going to do.

“It was a tough one, but that’s what the game’s about.

“It’s enjoyable and I sort of enjoy those moments, just look back on it and have a laugh. I’ll try to get one on him next time.”