Fullback Billy Slater and backrower Felise Kaufusi are among seven players from the NRL premiership-winning Melbourne Storm selected in Mal Meninga’s Australia squad for the Rugby League World Cup. Kaufusi was one of six rookies confirmed on Tuesday in the 24-man squad for the tournament, which will be played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from Oct. 27. Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco is the surprise omission after being chosen by his National Rugby League peers as the player of the year. Meninga has opted for Slater, Darius Boyd and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic as fullback options ahead of Tedesco. Meninga has also omitted winger Blake Ferguson, voted player of the tournament at last year’s Four Nations, preferring Queensland’s State of Origin player of the series Dane Gagai. READ MORE: * Storm star shows All Blacks how to pass * Fensom hits pain barrier * Jersey tears fire up Storm stars for final Dominant Storm crowned NRL champs Bellamy praises incoming Warrior Harris Storm hold Taumalolo to season-low Tedesco misses cut for Kanagaroos “Obviously he was clearly upset,” Meninga said of Ferguson. “But I had to be honest with him around his form and he accepted that. We move on.” Brisbane Broncos…