James Tedesco terrorises Maroons with dominant display in Game III

Just one man was the difference between victory and heartache for the Maroons, and that man was James Tedesco – the stuff of nightmares for the brave Queenslanders.

He was good in Game 1. Great in Game 2. Unstoppable in Game 3.

James Tedesco is the stuff of nightmares for the Queensland Maroons as he terrorised them with his blistering speed and incredibly strong carries.

The star fullback put on a masterclass last night to steer the Blues to back-to-back series wins for the first time since 2005.

Origin is made of moments of brilliance and last night Tedesco added yet another one to the highlight reel when he stepped up with just 32 seconds before the fulltime siren.

The series on the line, Queensland steaming back with all of the momentum, up stood Teddy – who sealed the game with a matchwinning try.

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Queensland were always wary of Tedesco’s running game and at the 35th minute mark, it came to life.

The Maroons had all of the control for the opening half hour and a perfectly weighted kick to Blues winger Blake Ferguson seemed to have them on the back foot when Tedesco was given the ball.

James Tedesco looks to break through. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

A 65m linebreak through the Maroons defence and a clever pass to winger Jack Wighton suddenly had Queensland worried.

That run was the catalyst for NSW’s first try and allowed them to go into the halftime break at 8-8.

And it didn’t stop there as he continued to worry the Maroons even more so in the second half.

His try in the 51st minute eptomised just how talented he is after running over top of three Queenslanders to cross the line and give NSW’s the lead for the first time in the match.

Throw in his 10 tackle breaks, two offloads, four linebreaks and 222 running metres and he was undoubtedly the best player on the paddock last night.

Tedesco celebrates his match-winning try. Picture: Phil Hillyard

He described the win as “incredible” after the match.

“It’s unbelievable,” Tedesco said.

“I thought it was going to be golden point.

“It was a pretty good feeling.

“It’s massive. It’s unbelievable and to win it here in front of this crowd is incredible.”

Blues coach Brad Fittler said Tedesco was one of the best fullbacks in the competition at the moment.

“He plays the big games so well so he’s pretty good,” Fittler said.

“He took some tough runs.

“The stuff he does around the ball and in defence.

“He’s got a bit extra (than other fullbacks) and he’s pretty special.

“He’s got a long way to go because he’s only young.”

A special shoutout should also go to Queensland debutant Ethan Lowe who was incredible for the Maroons last night and almost proved to be the decisive factor.