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Truly inspirational.
What a difference a year can make.
After a 2012 season which lasted just minutes into Round 1, James Tedesco couldn’t be blamed for simply setting a goal of finishing 2013 injury-free.
The Wests Tigers fullback, 20, did that and more, being awarded the Club’s rookie of the year award and playing for City mid-season.
Now the highly rated youngster will find himself on the world stage when he represents his Italian heritage at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium against home side Wales in front of a possible capacity crowd of 75-thousand.Tedesco felt enormous family pride when informed he was a likely selection for the Italy World Cup team.
“I was very excited,” said Tedesco. "I’ve spent a lot of time with my grand parents, they’re both Italian on my Dad’s side.
"They’re stoked and all my family is very excited.
“I just had to have a good season and get through injury free which I did. The body is feeling good and ready to go.”The first game against Wales will make up part of a massive opening day to the 14th Rugby League World Cup with that fixture set to follow an opening ceremony described by organisers as “the greatest show Rugby League has ever seen” and old rivals England taking on Australia.
With almost every hotel room in Cardiff booked out months in advance and excitement building rapidly, it’s set to be a special occasion for the youngster who spent so much of 2012 doing the tough and testing yards associated with injuring his ACL.
Despite likely being on the receiving end of a passionate home crowd’s disapproval, Tedesco will relish playing in the big match atmosphere.
“I’ll be honoured to play over there on that ground against Wales,” said Tedesco.
"Even getting booed will still be awesome, playing in front of a crowd like that in a massive stadium!
“There’ll be a lot of fans there but we’ll soak it up and do our best.”The Azzurri, who first played Rugby League in the 1950s before threats from Rugby Union effectively ended their participation at test level, have assembled a strong squad, despite the withdrawal of experienced halves Craig Gower
and Terry Campese.Italy are likely to be highly competitive in their debut World Cup.
“It’s very exciting, there’s a lot of NRL boys who are Italian,” said Tedesco.
"It’s unfortunate that Craig Gower and Terry Campese aren’t playing with us but we’ve got both the Minichiello brothers, Aiden Guerra who has just won a premiership, Cameron Ciraldo and Kade Snowden as well.
“We’ve got some pretty big names, I think we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”
The Italy squad also features departing Wests Tigers NYC second rower Brenden Santi.Italy fixtures:
Wales vs Italy - Saturday 26th October, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Scotland vs Italy - Sunday 3rd November, Derwent Park, Workington
Tonga vs Italy - Sunday 10th November, The Shay, Halifax -
amazing stuff!
noticed they said a 75k stadium. will that fill out? will look embarassing if it’s not past 60k.
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What a gun fullback we will have for years to come cant wait for next year im so excited to see us improve with our young roster.
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If they had kept both Campese and Gower they could of really tested the other sides in their group
Least you know that Teddy will put it all on the line , just don’t get hurt
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I assume with Minichello there at fullback that Tedesco will start on the wing. Has he played any halves as a junior?
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Wow, I should be able to watch these games on TV! At last, some benefit to being in France. The Welsh are pretty passionate about their sport, so I’d say they’ll fill the stadium.
Yeah, pity Teddy and Mini both play fullback. Assume Teddy will end up on the wing.
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Eat plenty of Pasta boy and make us even prouder :roll :roll :roll
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The boys during their stopover in Abu Dhabi.
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@Paris Cobbs:
Wow, I should be able to watch these games on TV! At last, some benefit to being in France. The Welsh are pretty passionate about their sport, so I’d say they’ll fill the stadium.
Yeah, pity Teddy and Mini both play fullback. Assume Teddy will end up on the wing.
i think teddy wil play in the halves maybe 5/8
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This is the thing i like most , Rewarding a player that really deserves it , well done
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what’s the deal with viewership outside of Australia, i’ll be in asia for a bit of it. Reckon it’ll be broadcast there or too much to ask? haha
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what’s the deal with viewership outside of Australia, i’ll be in asia for a bit of it. Reckon it’ll be broadcast there or too much to ask? haha
Where abouts in Asia? Bali has quite good coverage of the NRL from my experience, can’t speak for World Cup broadcasts though.
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I see that 7 has bought the rights in Australia and are showing every game on their 7mate channel which means all games in HD.
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nice, love that 720p
did the NRL say HD next year for all game or just the GF/SOO?
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what’s the deal with viewership outside of Australia, i’ll be in asia for a bit of it. Reckon it’ll be broadcast there or too much to ask? haha
Where abouts in Asia? Bali has quite good coverage of the NRL from my experience, can’t speak for World Cup broadcasts though.
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China and India, I think i will be able to with cable. ESPN, BBC, some fox network, should be alright.
