James Tedesco shines at fullback in one of the great Origin performances
THERE was conjecture regarding James Tedesco’s selection at fullback over Tom Trbojevic. After Tedesco’s blinding display, there can be no more doubt.
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TEDDY, you are the No 1.
And Tommy Turbo, don’t take this as an insult — but you sure look good as the No 2.
There was plenty of debate in the lead up to State of Origin I as to who should be the NSW fullback.
James Tedesco got the jump on Tom Trbojevic.
But Brad Fittler’s call to choose the Manly fullback on the wing ahead of Canberra young gun Nick Cotric has delivered the Blues a double-barrelled payday.
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Tedesco was brilliant, running for 221m metres on his way to 12 tackle busts, two linebreaks and two try assists.
And on the right wing Trbojevic didn’t put a foot wrong all night, making 141 metres and in defence he never looked out of is depth.
Then when the match was in the balance it was Trbojevic and Tedesco who delivered a one-two combination for the knockout blow.
While Greg Inglis did everything in his power to try and put Trbojevic off his game, in the end it was the NSW young gun who got the last laugh.
Soaring high for a James Maloney bomb, Trbojevic snatched the ball out of Valentine Holmes’ hand to put the Blues ahead 18-12 in the 50th minute.
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Then it was left to Tedesco to set up the play that put the game to bed, when he busted through on another darting run before Josh Addo-Carr touched down to blow the margin out to 22-12 heading into the final 10 minutes.
What a night it was for Freddy’s rookies.
It was a bold gamble but it never looked like backfiring.
Latrell Mitchell was magnificent, and Nathan Cleary and Damien Cook showed they’re in this for the long haul.
James Roberts was solid if not sensational while Jack de Belin was punishing in the early period.
The halftime stats made for interesting reading with NSW’s 8-6 not entirely reflecting their dominance.
They had a 54-46 per cent split of possession with the penalties also going their way 4-1 while both teams completed well — the Blues 19 of 21 for an 81 per cent completion rate and the Maroons 14 of 17 for 82 per cent.
NSWs outside backs were heavily involved. Tedesco led the way, running for 110m while Tom Trbojevic made (78m), Addo Carr (71m) did their jobs well.
Mitchell and Roberts also had some good early impact and Mitchell remained dangerous until the death when he had a try disallowed late after he was held up.
In the middle David Klemmers first stint was terrific (104m) while Boyd Cordner (75m) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard (73m) also made a strong impact.
Cook was forced to make the most first half tackles (27) but still had enough energy to make some good runs, one leading to the first try scored by Tedesco.
Queensland’s back five also made good first half metres. Val Holmes’ intercept try helped him to lead the way (172m), while Michael Morgan (79m) and Dane Gagai (70m) also started strong.
But despite taking the lead early in the second half it was the baby Blues that came home strongest.
Going into the game there were plenty of questions being asked of the NSW back five and the need for them to get themselves in the game.
And didn’t they deliver.
Dare to dream NSW fans that was the beginning of the end of 13 years of dominance.