Tedesco was speaking after being dumped from Origin for the second time in recent weeks.
James Tedesco has acknowledged that his State of Origin career is likely over after being dropped from the NSW side for the second time in three weeks. Blues coach Michael Maguire has once again chosen Dylan Edwards as fullback. Tedesco played in the Blues’ Game 1 loss to Queensland in Sydney after initially being overlooked for Penrith’s Edwards, who had to withdraw from the NSW squad due to a quad injury.
Tedesco was called into the NSW squad late and had a mixed performance against the Maroons, despite the team playing most of the match with a man down following Joseph Suaalii’s early send-off. Despite his impressive showing for the Roosters in their round 15 win over Parramatta in the NRL, Tedesco was again overlooked for Blues selection for Game 2 at the MCG after Edwards successfully returned from injury in Penrith’s win over the Knights.
Speaking after his latest exclusion, Tedesco admitted he didn’t expect to retain his spot once Edwards was fit. Tedesco has been a fixture at Origin level for NSW, playing in 23 consecutive games and captaining the side to two series wins. However, after Maguire decided to drop him in favor of Edwards, Tedesco accepted the decision.
“(I) Wasn’t expecting to really be back in after Dyl (Edwards) was fit and he was going to play,” Tedesco told 9News. Edwards shone for the Panthers against Newcastle upon his return from the quad injury that kept him out of Game 1. Tedesco has accepted Maguire’s choice to go with Edwards and has thrown his support behind the Blues, even though he may have played his final game for NSW.
“Madge came in and wanted to make some changes,” Tedesco added. “I’ll support that, and I think all of NSW should get behind the team and hopefully they can get a win and make it a decider in Game 3.” Attention will now turn to Tedesco’s successor, Edwards, and how the three-time premiership winner adapts to Origin football after finally getting his chance to represent his state.
Dylan Edwards to make Origin debut after Game 1 heartbreak
Dylan Edwards, one of the standout fullbacks in the competition and the 2022 Clive Churchill Medallist, is eager to make his debut for the Blues at the MCG next Wednesday. The Penrith fullback expressed his heartbreak at being ruled out of Game 1, praising his fiancée and family for their support during that tough time.
“It was devastating to work so hard for so long and then have it taken away,” Edwards said this week. “I didn’t really think about the future or if I’d get another chance with the Blues. I was lucky my family and fiancée were with me at the resort. I had a moment with them and then by myself where I let my emotions out. I don’t usually get emotional like that, but it meant a lot.”
Blues coach Michael Maguire had no hesitation in bringing Dylan Edwards back into the NSW squad for the crucial Game 2 in Melbourne. Penrith captain Isaah Yeo believes that the Origin arena is an environment where the dynamic fullback thrives. “The tougher and harder the game gets, the better he seems to perform,” Yeo said. “In grand finals, he is at his best and excels, and I don’t think it will be any different on Wednesday.”
