Tedesco Named Player of the 2021 World Cup Final

Kangaroos skipper James Tedesco produced a captain's knock to see Australia home in the World Cup Final against Samoa, scoring two tries to help the green and gold to a 30-10 victory.

Having scored tries in each of the Kangaroos three group stage games, Tedesco was back among the try-scorers when his team needed it most — backing up in support off a Josh Addo-Carr break in the 17th minute before capping off a well-worked inside pass from Nathan Cleary for the match-sealing try in the 68th minute.

The 29-year-old had seven tackle breaks, a try-saving tackle and 234 running metres to go with his two tries to deservedly take out the player of the match award.

"It's a pretty unbelievable feeling," Tedesco said on-field after the game.

"It's a really proud moment.

"We came over here 6-7 weeks ago with this group of blokes and formed such a special bond. It's so special representing our country and putting this jersey on... to represent my friends and family back home."

The game's premier fullback, Tedesco said the unity shown in the Australian camp, despite the challenges that has befallen international rugby league in the past few years, was particularly pleasing to be a part of, having previously played for the World Cup for Italy back in 2017.

"It's killed us in the last three years with COVID, not being able to play for our country," Tedesco said. "We came over here early, formed a close bond on and off the field.

We wanted to work hard for each other and we showed that tonight.

Kangaroos captain James Tedesco

"It's a team full of superstars. We knew we had the individual brilliance; it was about bonding as a team. We got better and better each game and this was probably our best performance [of the World Cup] so it's a great feeling."

Coach Mal Meninga was effusive in his praise for Tedesco, with particular mention to his leadership abilities in the lead-up to Sunday's final.

"I don't know how many run metres he had tonight but he was everywhere," Meninga said on-field after the game. "And he led the side through the week really week. His talk through the week and the way he trained was exceptional.

"He was on tonight and we needed him."