Cameron Smith urges Laurie Daley not to pick James Tedesco for State of Origin game three

CAMERON Smith has urged NSW to have faith in Matt Moylan for Origin III, begging the question: Does he rate Moylan or is he scared of James Tedesco?

CAMERON Smith has urged Laurie Daley to have faith in Matt Moylan as NSW fullback for the State of Origin dead rubber, begging the question: Does he rate the Penrith star or is he simply scared of what James Tedesco might do in his place?

And after yesterday’s second half capitulation, who could blame the Melbourne Storm Queensland and Australia skipper.

Tedesco lit up AAMI Park as the Wests Tigers came back from a 26-0 deficit to sit at 26-20 before a field goal and penalty goal eased the heart rate of Storm fans.

James Tedesco continues to push for Origin selection. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Tedesco scored a try, almost had two more and stopped the Storm getting their own as the Wests Tigers fullback gave the clearest indication yet he is the future of NSW’s Origin hopes.

It was no wonder then that Smith tried to pour cold water over Tedesco’s Origin dream, saying Daley should think twice before ditching Moylan.

“I’m not overly surprised (Tedesco hasn’t played fullback for NSW) because I believe Matt Moylan’s a wonderful footballer,” Smith said.

Cameron Smith has offered advice to Laurie Daley.

He was part of the 2014 Four Nations. He didn’t get an opportunity to play a game, but seeing him over the five weeks, his training and preparation for games was fantastic, he’s a good young kid.

“Tedesco was great today, he was fantastic ... but at the end of the day NSW will make up their minds not me.”

Tedesco was unavailable for Origin I due to a shoulder injury as Moylan made his Blues debut and the Wests Tigers star was not selected by Daley for the second match in Queensland.

Smith might have spent yesterday evening cautioning against Tedesco’s selection but Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor can’t believe it hasn’t happened yet.

Laurie Daley has some tough decisions to make ahead of Origin III. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“He’d done enough to warrant an Origin call-up a few weeks ago,” Taylor said.

“He wasn’t in Origin one because he was injured and he should’ve been in Origin two and he should be in Origin three.”

Tedesco, meanwhile, remains philosophical about any Origin debut.

“I try and do my best every week and if they think that’s good enough for a spot, I will take it with both hands,” he said.

Originally published as Cameron Smith urges Laurie Daley not to pick James Tedesco for State of Origin game three