Speaking at the press conference announcing the squad, Meninga said the Tigers fullback was unlucky to miss out, but was sitting behind Darius Boyd in the pecking order.
Meninga said Bird was close to getting selected, but Michael Morgan and Moylan were both seen as more versatile.
Tedesco and Bird are two high-profile players who were left out of the end of year tour squad. Veteran forwards Paul Gallen and Corey Parker were left out of the side, as was in-form Sharks prop Andrew Fifita.
Who is the unluckiest player to miss out?