State of Origin 2020: Paul Kent reveals his greatest NSW Blues team
James Tedesco has only played 10 Origin matches, but he’s already cemented his spot in the Blues’ greatest team of all, writes PAUL KENT. Check out the full team here.
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NSW flyer James Tedesco has already cemented himself as the Blues’ greatest ever fullback despite playing just 10 Origin matches for his state.
The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent has selected Tedesco as the only current player in his all-time NSW team, which features in the 40 Years of State of Origin souvenir magazine, on sale now.
Last year’s Wally Lewis Medal winner for player of the series, Tedesco scored two tries in the series decider including the match-winning try.
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News Corp Australia’s 40 Years of State of Origin gloss magazine is a must for sport lovers leading into this year’s milestone series.
The 68-page commemorative publication is a celebration of Origin’s incredible four decades - the great moments, the characters, the fights and the funnies. The greatest Queensland and NSW teams of all-time and all the stats from all the games.
On sale in participating newsagents and supermarkets until the end of November, the magazine is just $4.95 when buying a copy of The Daily Telegraph.
Paul Kent’s Best Blues Team
1. James Tedesco
Is still young but has 10 years in rep colours ahead of him and the potential to go down as one of the all-time greats.
2. Andrew Ettingshausen
ET was talented, fast and tough, and played for the Blues for a decade. Could do it all and
was as safe as a hug from mum.
3. Laurie Daley (C)
The man teammates looked to when the game was on the line. Pure and simple, he was a
matchwinner.
4. Steve Rogers
There was something truly special about Rogers, who toured three times with the Kangaroos
and was one of the greatest players the game has seen. Could also play five-eighth and lock.
5. Eric Grothe
There was something mystical about Grothe, who ran only as fast as he had to, was only as
strong as he needed to be, but always found the tryline.
6. Brett Kenny
Dominated Wally Lewis every time they marked up at five-eighth in Origin and replaced him
in the six jersey on Kangaroo tours. One of the game’s most underappreciated players.
7. Andrew Johns
The only Immortal for the Blues in the Origin era, Johns is simply the best player in the
game’s most important position.
8. Steve Roach
Roach was old-school, meaning whatever the job he was assigned he got it done. His tough
play hid a surprisingly soft touch with his hands.
9. Danny Buderus
Hard to omit Benny Elias but Buderus gets there as the next instalment on the evolution of
the hooker. Clever and tough.
10. Glenn Lazarus
Lazarus was, quite simply, the greatest prop who played the game. He was the cornerstone of
three premierships at three different clubs.
11. Paul Sironen
Brought a size and mobility to the back row not seen in that combination before. Sironen was
a dominant player in a successful era for the Blues.
12. Brad Clyde
Revolutionised the position and was so dominant other clubs had no choice but to look for
clones. But Clyde, big, strong and fast, had a gift nobody has repeated.
13. Brad Fittler
Played lock for Australia so the position is not unfamiliar. The original wonder kid, he was
perhaps the most gifted of them all.
Interchange
14. Ricky Stuart
The linchpin in a NSW side that dominated its era. Played hooker in a Test for Australia,
which he hated, but his game management, his control of momentum, has never been
matched.
15. Steve Menzies
His talent as a running backrower was so rare teams are still searching for a similar athlete.
The greatest tryscoring forward in the game, which says it all.
16. Paul Gallen
A tough leader in an era when the old-school toughness was being weaned out. Statistically,
still has the greatest Origin performance in history.
17. Ian Roberts
Terrified opponents, on both sides of the ball, and could play the game any way that was
required. Perfect for Origin.
Coach : Phil Gould
Gould was the first NSW coach to understand what Origin was about. It was about more than
talent, it was the bond, it was what was under the jersey. The key to Origin was the
preparation and Gould understood that.
Originally published as State of Origin 2020: Paul Kent reveals his greatest NSW Blues team