<h2>James Tedesco Withdraws from Kangaroos Ashes Tour – Four Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;- James Tedesco withdraws from Kangaroos Ashes Tour due to family commitments.</p> <p>&nbsp;- Roosters captain's outstanding 2025 season had positioned him to reclaim Australian fullback jersey from Dylan Edwards.</p> <p>&nbsp;- Dylan Edwards and Reece Walsh emerge as frontrunners for No.1 jersey as Kevin Walters faces mounting selection headaches.</p> <p>&nbsp;- Australia will face England in a three-Test series starting on October 25.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tedesco's Kangaroos Comeback Cut Short</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Sydney Roosters captain was poised for a stunning return to the Australian jersey after an exceptional 2025 campaign that saw him rediscover his game-breaking form.</p> <p>Despite being overlooked for State of Origin this year, Tedesco's performances had positioned him perfectly to wrestle back the Kangaroos fullback spot from Penrith's Dylan Edwards.</p> <p>The 32-year-old's withdrawal comes as a devastating blow to both his international comeback aspirations and Australia's Ashes Tour preparations.</p> <p>After being named in the preliminary squad, Tedesco informed the ARL Commission he would be unable to tour, choosing family loyalty over representative honours as he serves as best man at his brother's wedding.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Outstanding Season Highlights Tedesco's Class</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tedesco's 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating why he remains one of rugby league's premier fullbacks.</p> <p>Across 25 appearances, the dynamic playmaker scored 11 tries, provided 22 try assists, and carved up defensive lines with 21 line breaks that showcased his trademark acceleration and vision.</p> <p>This remarkable form has thrust Tedesco into serious contention for the 2025 Dally M Medal, with many pundits tipping the veteran to claim rugby league's most prestigious individual award when it's announced this week.</p> <p>His resurgence represents one of the finest seasons of his decorated career, proving that class remains permanent despite temporary setbacks.</p> <p>The Roosters skipper's decision to prioritise family commitments over the Kangaroos jersey demonstrates admirable character, though the timing creates significant selection challenges for new national coach Kevin Walters.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Kangaroos Face Mounting Selection Pressure</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With Tedesco's withdrawal confirmed, attention turns to Brisbane's Reece Walsh and Penrith's Dylan Edwards as the leading candidates for the Australian No.1 jersey when the final squad is announced.</p> <p>Both players bring distinct strengths, with Edwards offering defensive solidity and Walsh providing attacking flair that mirrors Tedesco's game-breaking ability.</p> <p>The fullback vacancy adds to Walters' growing list of unavailable stars, creating additional pressure as Australia prepares to defend their world champion status against increasingly competitive Pacific nations.</p> <p>Unlike other positions where depth remains strong, the centre and front-row stocks appear particularly thin, making squad finalisation a complex puzzle.</p> <p>Tedesco's absence represents more than just losing a quality player – it removes a proven performer who understands the pressures and expectations of international rugby league.</p> <p>For the Kangaroos, this latest setback emphasises the challenges facing modern representative football where club commitments and personal priorities often conflict with national team duties.</p> <p>While disappointing for Australian rugby league fans, Tedesco's 2025 season will be remembered as a masterclass in professional resilience and elite performance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Ashes Test Series 2025 Odds</h2>