James Tedesco pulls out of Ashes rugby league tour to attend brother’s wedding

James Tedesco has pulled out of Australia’s Ashes squad, just days after being recalled.

Selectors met on Sunday to decide on a preliminary 23-man group for the end-of-year Tests, with the final squad to be confirmed next Monday.

Tedesco had earned a recall after being dropped for last year’s Pacific Championships, but was set to regain the No.1 jersey off Dylan Edwards.

But the Sydney Roosters fullback has informed officials he will not head to England, as he is due to be best man at his brother’s wedding.

“I asked him to think about it, but he believes that he wouldn’t be doing the right thing by his family if he wasn’t in the wedding,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.

“It’s a shame because he played so well this year and deserved his place in the team.

“I’ve let (coach) Kevin Walters know, and we’ll now go back to the drawing board.

“James was very professional about it, and he really agonised over it because he really wanted to be there.”

Tedesco is the frontrunner to win the Dally M Medal on Wednesday night, after also being handed his fourth Players’ Champion award on Monday.

The 32-year-old has told selectors he still wants to play for Australia at next year’s home World Cup, if picked.

“He did make a really strong point that he certainly wants to be considered next year for the World Cup,” V’landys said.

“He’s not retiring from international rugby, he’s unfortunately got this family commitment that he can’t get out of.”

Reece Walsh is now considered a strong chance to earn his maiden Kangaroos call up, while Edwards could also retain his spot.

Selectors were going to pick a 22-man squad, but have opted for an extra young player in preparation for next year’s World Cup.

Canberra’s Ethan Strange is expected to be one option as the 23rd man.