Posted September 13, 2017 07:23:51

Photo: Was James Tedesco this year's best NRL player? His peers think so. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

After beating out Cameron Smith for the prestigious Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) player of the year award, James Tedesco is dreaming of playing alongside him in the green and gold.

Tedesco was a shock winner on Tuesday night for the RLPA Players' Champion.

The players' union award is voted by his peers and the Wests Tigers and New South Wales full-back was the most surprised man in the room when his name was read out ahead of the likes of Smith, Jason Taumalolo and Sam Burgess.

To cap an exciting 24 hours for the Sydney Roosters-bound number one, he will be announced in Mal Meninga's Prime Minister's XIII side to take on Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby next weekend.

In a shot in the arm for the NSW custodian, it is understood he will be named at full-back for the side ahead of the likes of Josh Dugan, Valentine Holmes and Tom Trbojevic.

Since taking over the Australia head-coaching job, Meninga has used the PM's XIII game as a selection trial and it puts Tedesco firmly in the frame for the World Cup at the end of the year.

"I'll be looking to take it with both hands and impress," Tedesco said.

"Not playing finals footy, it's a chance to impress the coach and put my name up there. I'll be looking to put my name up there for Australia."

The Kangaroos are well stocked for full-backs with Darius Boyd, who is a chance to make a return from an injured hamstring for Brisbane on Friday, and Billy Slater.

However with Australia to play three group matches and almost certainly to be involved in three finals, Tedesco is a chance for a spot in the wider squad.

Photo: Billy Slater roared back onto the representative scene earlier this year. (AAP: Joe Castro)

He said he would take any position in the Australia backline, even if it meant playing on the wing — a position he is largely unfamiliar with.

He has played just three club games on the wing — for the Tigers in 2013 — as well as making three Test appearances for Italy at centre at the last World Cup.

"You look at all the great Australian full-backs, they've all come through on the wings or in the centres," Tedesco said.

"Once they get that No.1 jersey they hold onto it.

"Full-back is my preferred position but I'll play anywhere in the backs."

AAP

Topics: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia