James Tedesco happy to shift to the wing to secure State of Origin debut

TIGERS star James Tedesco says he’s happy to switch to the wing if it’ll secure him a State of Origin debut with the Blues.

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JAMES Tedesco is open to playing on the wing if it means realising his State of Origin dream — but he’d still rather do it at fullback.

The Wests Tigers speed demon is seemingly locked in a two-way battle with incumbent Josh Dugan for the Blues No.1 jumper for the June 1 series opener — with Penrith’s Matt Moylan a possible third option.

But even if NSW coach Laurie Daley sticks with the bigger frame of Dugan at at fullback, Tedesco could yet get his chance on the flanks — a scenario he’d more than welcome.

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“I’m not going to say no to a rep jersey. If the opportunity’s there I’m going to take it,” he said.

“I’ve played wing before — I started a few games with the Tigers on the wing, then played City Country (last year) on the wing. I’ve got a bit of experience there.

“Obviously I’d prefer to be at the back. I’m much more comfortable there.”

Surprisingly, the 23-year-old has yet to speak to Daley since sitting down with the Blues mentor before the season, when he was told he was in contention to make his Origin debut this year. “He just wanted me to keep up the good form, and hopefully I’m doing that,” he said.

There can be little question about the Camden junior’s form, given he leads the competition in tries and line-breaks, while also coming up with several crucial plays in defence.

And while a sky blue jumper is the major goal, Tedesco is first eyeing off his an opportunity to play fullback for City in the annual clash against Country early next month.

Tedesco played on the wing for City last season.

“Last year (for City) I was stuck on the wing and Matty Moylan was at fullback. I didn’t get too many opportunities on the wing there,” he said.

“But if I do get selected at fullback, it is a step up from club footy so it is a chance to show that you can perform in those higher games.”

Originally published as James Tedesco happy to shift to the wing to secure State of Origin debut