Laurie Daley insists James Tedesco is not out of Origin considerations

In what represents his first crucial steps as Blues coach, Laurie Daley held a meet-and-greet session with 28 players that are most likely to be charged with defending the Origin shield against Queensland.

NSW coach Laurie Daley says former Blues captain James Tedesco remains in the State of Origin frame despite being left out of a 28-man squad that came together for the first time on Saturday.

In what represents his first crucial steps as Blues coach, Daley held a meet-and-greet session with 28 players that are most likely to be charged with defending the Origin shield against Queensland.

“The get together is about going through what I’m about and what my expectations are going to be,” Daley said.

“It’s about what I’ll be looking out for, what my values as a coach are, the things that I might see the same as Madge (Maguire), or different to Madge.

“But really, it’s all about establishing those connections with the boys.

“I need to build on that because we probably won’t get another chance with the season just upon us.”

2024 NSW State of Origin Coaches - Laurie Daley. Picture: NRL Photos

In the wake of Michael Maguire’s successful hit-and-run mission which saw NSW win the 2024 series 2-1 before accepting a job this season as head coach of the Broncos, Daley is back in charge of the Blues after previously leading the state between 2013 and 2017.

Some of the game’s biggest names met Daley for the first time on Saturday afternoon at Brighton Le Sands including Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, Jarome Luai, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Zac Lomax, Angus Crichton, Cameron Murray and Hudson Young.

Payne Haas (injury), Mitchell Barnett (travel and training schedule) and Latrell Mitchell (charity commitment) were also included in the 28-man squad, but unable to attend.

Tedesco, the champion Roosters fullback and equal with Daley for NSW Origin appearances (23) as the fourth most-capped Blue, was originally overlooked for Origin I with Maguire favouring Edwards.

However, the 32-year-old received a late call-up just days before the series opener after Edwards withdrew due to injury.

James Tedesco is not yet out of the Origin selection frame. Picture: Getty Images

Edwards returned for games two and three, which the Blues won to claim the Origin shield.

“Nothing is locked in now, it’s too early, we could easily pick a player that isn’t in this 28 because in reality we could pick 50 players to come in,” Daley said.

“Last year there were a number of players that weren’t in the original squad that ended up playing in the series.

“I can give you three examples in Mitch Barnett, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton that didn’t make the initial squad, but ended up making the team.

“If you’re playing well, you’ll be considered.”

Daley also confirmed the NSW squad would continue their preparation in the Blue Mountains, as was the case last series.

“After speaking to the staff and players, they all loved it so for me, it’s an easy choice,‘’ Daley said.

Alongside Daley on Saturday afternoon were his coaching staff members including Matt King, Brett White and Dean Young.

Young and White will be charged with leading the Blues defensive strategy while King will focus on NSW attack.

“I’m excited for the year ahead,” Daley said.

Originally published as Laurie Daley insists James Tedesco is not out of Origin considerations