Andrew Johns drops NSW State of Origin team bombshell
Andrew Johns says he disagrees with a bombshell rumour that is floating hours before NSW announces it team for State of Origin Game 1.
NRL
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Andrew Johns has dropped rumoured news James Tedesco has been axed by NSW.
Debate about Tedesco’s inclusion in Blues coach Michael Maguire’s team has raged this month with Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards continuing to push his case for the No. 1 NSW jumper with impressive recent form.
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The Blues have been left in a selection mess with the tough calls set to go down to the wire before Maguire announces his team on Sunday night.
On top of injuries to superstars Nathan Cleary, Tom Trbojevic, Cody Walker, Mitchell Moses, Bradman Best and Cameron Murray, late drama continues to swirl around Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes.
The Sharks playmaker failed to play the full 80 minutes of his team’s loss to the Panthers on Saturday and is reported to have undergone scans for on ongoing calf muscle issue on Sunday.
The most contentious call, however, will surround Blues captain Tedesco.
Johns said on Channel 9’s Sunday Footy Show, the call has been made.
The rugby league immortal also said he personally would select Tedesco because of his experience in a NSW team that is expected to look very different from the one that fell short in Brad Fittler’s final series in charge.
In a wild segment on Sunday, Johns made several big selection calls, including:
— Latrell Mitchell should be selected in the centres
— Hynes and Walker should be overlooked if they aren’t 100 per cent fit
— Luke Keary should partner Jarome Luai in the halves — if Hynes and Walker aren’t fit.
Johns shared comments made by leading NRL reporter Michael Chammas, suggesting the Blues have made the big change to put Edwards at the back.
“Dylan Edwards, the mail is he’s in,” Johns said.
“Chammas just said when he left. He said pretty much they’re going to pick Dylan Edwards which is a real surprise.”
When asked about picking Tedesco, Johns replied: “I would, purely for his experience. If you’re going to have a different halves combination, I just think you need that experience and cool head at the back.
“He’d do a great job, Dylan Edwards, without doubt, but I’m just worried there’s a lot of players in key positions, who haven’t played together who are also debuting. It’s an interesting one.
“It’s a big decision. There’s some big calls coming up tonight.”
Johns’ wildest comments surrounded the re-call of Roosters playmaker Luke Keary — who hasn’t played State of Origin since 2020.
He also announced earlier this year he will retire at the end of the 2024 season.
Johns said the fact that Luai, Walker and Matt Burton all play on the left side of the field for their clubs means Keary is the best option to play on the right hand side.
“I’m sure they’d have no problem, but it’d be a bit unfamiliar for them,” Johns said of Burton or Walker switching sides.
“Once again, Luke Keary probably comes into real contention. Keary can play No. 7. He won a Clive Churchill (medal) for doing it in the Grand Final.”
He was particularly decisive about overlooking Hynes and Walker if they aren’t fit to complete the full training load.
“When they get into camp on Monday, everyone’s got to be training,” he said.
“If Nicho’s got a calf, or Cody’s got a calf and can’t train until later in the week, you can’t have it. So Jarome might be the No. 7.”
Johns went on to say: “I’m the king of Cody’s fan club, but if he can’t train on Tuesday or Monday and if the calf’s no good it’s unfortunate”.
Johns said Mitchell is the best option left standing to partner Stephen Crichton in the centres as a result of the injuries to Trbojevic and Best.
“Last night he (Mitchell) looked in a really good headspace and he’s a freak,” Johns said.
“He can do things that no-one else can. And also, you put a bit of fear in the opposition because he’s unorthodox and you can’t coach against it. He’s freakish.”
Originally published as Andrew Johns drops NSW State of Origin team bombshell
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