Tigers v Dragons: James Tedesco puts in five star performance as Tigers dominate Dragons

JAMES Tedesco has put in a five star performance — heavily involved in all four of the Tigers’ tries — as they easily accounted for the Dragons.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Pat Richards celebrates with his team mates James Tedesco and Luke Brooks of the Tigers after scoring a try during the round two NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on March 16, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

OH LAURIE, you really do have some selection headaches when it comes to the NSW No. 1 jumper.

Two days after Penrith’s Matt Moylan put his hand up for the Blues’ fullback gig, then Brett Stewart did likewise at Brookvale Oval, James Tedesco produced his own impressive Origin audition for the Wests Tigers.

Tedesco scored a try and had a hand in three others as the Tigers ran riot early against St George Illawarra to win 22-4.

It was a shame hundreds of fans were still queuing up outside the Campbelltown car park as

James Tedesco was everywhere for the Tigers.

Tedesco and his young teammates put on an impressive all-round display.

The action peaked by half-time, with the Dragons finishing yet another match with just four points.

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Dragons coach Paul McGregor must be seriously concerned about his side’s predictable attack, and how on earth they can post more points.

On one embarrassing occasion, Jason Nightingale played the ball to himself.

At least fullback Josh Dugan, who was forced to miss Monday night because of an ankle injury — but remains in the box seat to replace Jarryd Hayne as NSW fullback — is a chance to return for the trip to Canberra.

Tigers coach Jason Taylor, however, has a side with no such problems scoring points, especially with Tedesco and halfback Luke Brooks starting to form a handy combination.

Aaron Woods has also started the year brilliantly up front, while they’ve snapped up a real steal in winger Kevin Naiqama.

If bearded Tedesco can continue his form at the back, NSW coach Laurie Daley will have a huge dilemma before the Origin opener.

“He was (outstanding), he showed tonight why people have talked about him the way they have over the years,” Taylor said.

It could be a long season ahead for Benji Marshall and the Dragons.

“There were some classy touches, and some things not many guys can do.”

Taylor felt 2015 might come too early for Tedesco and the Blues, but skipper and NSW hooker Robbie Farah disagreed, even admitting he had a “man crush” on his teammate.

Tedesco said he would love to play for NSW, and it was an honour just to be mentioned.

“It could be anyone, and it will depend on form,” Tedesco said.

“Whoever does step in will have big boots to fill with Hayne leaving — he was their best player out there.”

An injury-free Tedesco on Monday night threw a dummy before he found Naiqama who posted the home side’s opening points. Five minutes later, he showed a decent turn of foot to latch on to a Brooks’ grubber and make it 8-0.

Another cut-out pass for Pat Richards, the foresight to hold up the ball for Tim Simona who put Richards over again, and a balancing act to prevent a Gareth Widdop kick from going into touch were all part of the ‘Teddy’ highlights reel.

McGregor said the heavy workload in defence early had left his players “gassed”, which may have explained their lacklustre effort in attack.

The Tigers were entitled to beat a depleted Gold Coast in the opening round — and a Dugan-less Dragons — but now face their acid test on Sunday against premiers Souths.

WESTS TIGERS 22 (P Richards 2 K Naiqama J Tedesco tries P Richards 3 goals) bt ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 4 (D Nielsen try) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Referee: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee. Crowd: 11,837.

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Originally published as Tigers v Dragons: James Tedesco puts in five star performance as Tigers dominate Dragons