Is it time for James Tedesco to hang up his Kangaroos jersey?

James Tedesco in ugly fallout after Kangaroos humiliated against New Zealand

LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe

James Tedesco may have played his last game in a Kangaroos jersey, with calls growing louder for the veteran fullback to make way for one of the up-and-coming No.1s of the game.

Mal Meninga stuck strong with Tedesco for the Pacific Championships, remaining loyal to his captain and long-time fullback.

But there have been calls for months for Tedesco to be given the flick given the form of Dylan Edwards, Kalyn Ponga, and Reece Walsh over the last few years.

Given the Kangaroos' embarrassing loss at the hands of New Zealand on Saturday, there are likely to be several changes when Meninga picks his next side.

The loyalty and faith Meninga placed in veteran players will likely evaporate, with Daly Cherry-Evans also likely to have played his last game for Australia.

The 34-year-old earned his spot due to a knee injury suffered by Nathan Cleary, but the Panthers halfback will have dibs on the Kangaroos No.7 jersey for the next decade.

And with the likes of Edwards, Ponga, and Walsh banging down the door, it's likely we won't see Tedesco at the highest level for much longer.

Meninga opted to use Edwards on the wing for the Pacific Championship but hinted that the Panthers fullback was first cab off the rank to replace Tedesco in the No.1.

"Versatility is really important at the rep level, there's no doubt about that," the Kangaroos coach said before Saturday's final.

"Dylan is a great fella, and he's a highly intelligent player.

He did start his career on the wing for Penrith, he got his first shot at first-grade on the wing, and he's handled it really well."

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