‘Embarrassing’: Gorden Tallis and Bruce Hatcher on James Tedesco’s Origin recall

Queensland legends have taken aim at Blues coach Michael Maguire for recalling James Tedesco into the NSW squad, saying the Maroons would never have axed such an inspirational skipper in the first place.

The QRL are questioning James Tedesco’s inclusion in the Blues side.

Queensland legend Gorden Tallis has warned James Tedesco’s shock recall for Origin I could derail the Blues, claiming he would be “embarrassed” to return after being sacked as NSW captain.

Tallis’ stance came as Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher questioned NSW’s lack of loyalty towards Tedesco and said the Maroons would never have axed such an inspirational skipper in the first place.

An Origin selection drama has erupted with the ARL Commission giving approval for Tedesco to be drafted from outside NSW’s top 20 to replace the injured Dylan Edwards for Wednesday night’s series opener.

There is a view the Blues should have been banned from sending an SOS for Tedesco given that the Roosters champion had been axed as NSW fullback and captain and missed the initial extended squad.

But when Edwards injured his quad at training on Saturday, Tedesco was parachuted back into NSW camp – but not before requiring the approval of NRL hierarchy.

Former Queensland skipper Tallis was surprised by NSW’s selection move, but says it could ultimately backfire on Blues coach Michael Maguire, who just last week dropped Tedesco in favour of Edwards.

James Tedesco is back in the Blues side after being sensationally axed. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“If I was dropped and then called back in, there would be a feeling of embarrassment,” Tallis said.

“It’s strange that they have looked backwards again with Tedesco.

“NSW were looking to the future with Edwards and they should have stuck to that philosophy of looking ahead.

“It’s a strange feeling for ‘Teddy’.

“Edwards will still be around him in camp, it has a touch of weirdness about it.

“Teddy would be a bit uncomfortable.

“And what happens in Game 2 now? Do they drop Tedesco again?

“I would have loved to be a fly on the wall having the conversation with Teddy and they (NSW) pretending they wanted you in.

“It’s not like Teddy is a young rookie being called in, he would have been disappointed and pissed off at being dropped as captain.

“It’s a totally different scenario.

“I don’t know the exact rules around the 20-man squad, but NSW weren’t going to carry Tedesco in the 20 in the first place after dropping him.

“Queensland probably would have moved someone like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, but NSW must have felt they didn’t have another option.”

Michael Maguire had to replace injured fullback Dylan Edwards. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Official confirmation came on Sunday morning following Edwards’ shock withdrawal.

Unlike in the NRL, where clubs name 22-man squads, only 20 are named per Origin team.

The NRL has previously granted exemptions to clubs and the fact Edwards’ injury was sustained during training was also a major factor in allowing Tedesco to be cleared.

The NRL also wants the biggest names taking the field for their showcase event.

QRL chair Hatcher says he has no personal issue with Tedesco’s selection, but expressed surprise at how he the 22-game NSW legend has been treated by the Blues.

“I am surprised Tedesco wasn’t picked first up,” Hatcher said.

“Even though I’m a big fan of Edwards, Queensland would have stuck with the current captain and the bloke with the big track record.”

Hatcher then took aim at the Blues over the Ronaldo Mulitalo eligibility scandal in 2021.

Selected by Queensland, Mulitalo was sensationally withdrawn on the day of Origin II after NSW hierarchy raised queries over his eligibility – triggering an NRL probe which found he was a Kiwi.

QRL boss Bruce Hatcher and Gorden Tallis in 2021. Picture: Adam Head

“They are NSW, they do these things,” Hatcher said.

“I’d personally rather see Tedesco play than be excluded by a technicality, but the only dig I will give is NSW’s stance with us over Mulitalo.

“He had played under-18s and under-20s for Queensland and then when we picked him for Origin, NSW fired in a protest and the NRL made inquiries into his eligibility and he was eliminated.

“At the time, we had quite a few injuries during that series, but what I couldn’t get over was the ARLC were responsible for checking the eligibility of players.

“Somehow Mulitalo was allowed to play for us in the junior reps, then they pull him out after NSW raised an issue.

“We have enough whingers when NSW lose, so I’d hate to think they said we stopped one of their players playing.

“I certainly won’t be running off to a tribunal to protest and I know what Billy Slater (Queensland coach) is like, he will say that’s their problem, not ours and it won’t make a lot of difference to us.

“Billy won’t allow the team to be distracted by technicalities.”