Mal Meninga has opened up on why he left James Tedesco out of the 24-man World Cup squad.
Tedesco was in superb form throughout the season and took out the RLPA Player of the Year award as voted for by his fellow players.
But with so many men within the team who can play at the back, Meninga said there simply was not enough room for the incoming Rooster.
“It is a big shock and we have so many great fullbacks playing our game,” Meninga told Channel Nine.
“When you’ve got Billy Slater and Darius Boyd the incumbent in your stocks, then you’ve got to find another position for a fullback.
“We have Tom Trbojevic who can play a number of positions and Dane Gagai. As well as Josh Dugan who plays in the centres but naturally plays at fullback as well.
“Unfortunately James was the odd one out.”
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