James Tedesco has paid the ultimate price for Australia’s horror capitulation against New Zealand last year in the inaugural Pacific Championships decider.

The incumbent skipper and fullback has been dumped from the squad with Mal Meninga declaring the Kangaroos needed to begin a new era.

“It’s been a bit of an evolution for the team off the back of what happened in the Pacific Championships last year,” the coach said. 

Dylan Edwards usurped the Sydney Roosters star at State of Origin level for New South Wales, before now being judged to be the best No.1 in the business by Meninga and his fellow Aussie selectors.

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Isaah Yeo the big winner in James Tedesco’s Kangaroos demise

Tedesco was one of a number of veterans to be overlooked for the upcoming tournament with Origin skippers and Manly team-mates Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic also left out of the 21-man squad.

Amidst the vast quantity of experience that has been lost in the Test side, Isaah Yeo has been pushed forward to lead the new-look team when they open their campaign against Tonga.

“Isaah is an outstanding player and outstanding person and they are two great qualities we want in an Australian captain,” Meninga said.

“He understands winning and he understands how to lead winning teams as well. I’m very comfortable that Isaah is the national captain.”

The newly appointed captain will be supported in his role by grand final rival and vice-captain Harry Grant.

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The duo squared off in a gripping NRL decider against Melbourne only a day before the squad was revealed with the Panthers emerging with their fourth straight premiership. 

Yeo played a major role in the 14-6 victory as the men from the foot of the mountains became the undisputed greatest team of the NRL era, according to Nathan Cleary.

The lock’s tireless work through the middle led to the 29-year-old finishing with 177 run metres and 35 tackles.

The stellar performance assuring him of the No.13 jersey as well as the captaincy as the Aussies seek redemption in the second instalment of the international tournament.

“Isaah has been the vice-captain since the World Cup under Teddy and deserves that chance to captain his country,” Meninga concluded.