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8pm NZ v IND continues on SN ExtraKangaroos strike centre out of Cup final with illness
Joel Gould, AAP • November 15th, 2026 4:54 pm
James Tedesco has been named on an extended bench for the World Cup final | Photo: Matt Roberts/AAP
James Tedesco will be ready to rock for Australia if required in the World Cup final, where he will be a new supersub replacement on an extended bench.
Kangaroos assistant coach Ben Te'o confirmed centre Latrell Mitchell, who was initially named at No. 18, would not play against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night.
Mitchell, who has only played one match in the tournament, has succumbed to a stomach bug and Sydney Roosters fullback and captain Tedesco will take his place in No. 22 after coach Kevin Walters made the difficult decision.
Latrell Mitchell has withdrawn from the Australian line-up because of a stomach bug | Photo: Darren England/AAP
"It is tough for Latrell to miss out but unfortunately he has had an illness the last few days," Te'o said.
"Obviously Kevvie made the selection call that it was best off to bring Teddy in."
Tedesco has only played in one match so far in this World Cup, with Walters preferring Brisbane whiz kid Reece Walsh at fullback. The 2026 Clive Churchill Medal winner was a standout in the 36-22 win over Fiji at No. 1 and will be inserted should an injury strike down Walsh.
"All of the guys in the squad have been outstanding," Te'o said hours before kickoff.
"If Teddy hasn't been in the team he has been helping us prepare, and you just never know when your opportunity is going to come."
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