NSW fullback James Tedesco wants revenge on Queensland Maroons

NSW star fullback James Tedesco wants to “rub it in Queensland’s faces” this year and help create a 10-year winning dynasty for the Blues.

NSW star fullback James Tedesco wants to “rub it in Queensland’s faces” this year and help create a 10-year winning dynasty for the Blues.

Despite winning just one of the past 11 series, Tedesco is bullish heading into a series in which Queensland are missing some of the best players.

“A few of the boys that won (Origin) back in 2014, they talk about how good it was ... to rub it in Queensland’s faces,” Tedesco said.

“We can turn the screws and create a winning culture and dominate for the next 10 or so years, hopefully.”

NSW fullback James Tedesco is confident leading into State of Origin game one. Picture: Brett Costello

In a wide-ranging interview, Tedesco also revealed why he quit Wests Tigers for the Roosters and the criticism he copped.

FEAR OF FAILURE

Is NSW scarred after so many years of heartache.

“No, I don’t think so, no. It’s all about winning — you want to create history and create a winning culture here,” Tedesco said.

“It’s been tough and it’s been disappointing over the past 10 or so years where Queensland has dominated.

“The squad we have at the moment, the future is very bright. We can turn the screws and create a winning culture and dominate for the next 10 or so years, hopefully.

“We have a young and exciting team — there are a lot of new faces, including myself as well. We all love to play footy — we don’t really have that self doubt.”

James Tedesco meets some Blues fans on the North Coast. Picture: AAP

HISTORY MAKERS

Can this side emulate the 2014 history makers?

“It’s a pretty big driving factor,” he said. “All of us want to be a part of that. A few of the boys that won back in 2014, they talk about how good it was ... to rub it in Queensland’s faces.

“That’s what we are looking to do. We can start that by getting a win up here first game, that will go a long way to us winning the series.”

ORIGIN PLAYER

Does Tedesco now feel he is a fully-fledged Origin player?

“I think so, yeah. It’s been a tough year at the Tigers, obviously there’s been a lot of dramas, we haven’t been playing that good a footy,” he said.

NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, James Tedesco and Blake Ferguson at the team announcement on Monday. Picture: Getty Images

“But coming into this camp, after last year, I feel comfortable around the boys. I feel like I belong here in the team. I want to show that confidence out on the field. I feel a part of this great group of guys.”

FORM

Did he feel his form warranted selection?

“It hasn’t been as good as it has been, obviously with how tough we have been going as a team. I am trying my heart out but I think I am trying a bit too hard and trying to do other people’s jobs and I’m not focusing on myself,” he said.

“In this (NSW) team, I can just come in and play how I play. Not worry about trying to win games by doing too much. That’s something I have been caught up in over the past month or so. I can just come here and do my job.”

BAD TIMES

How low did he go through all the Wests Tigers contract drama?

James Tedesco has been in up-and-down form for the Tigers. Picture: Darren England.

“Not too low. I handled it pretty well mentally. On the field, I thought I got a bit frustrated with it all,” he said.

“The results weren’t going our way. My footy got a bit frustrated. I have come in here and it’s rejuvenated me and that will help when I go back to club footy.”

THE CRITICISM

Tedesco was criticised for reneging on a deal with Canberra in 2014 and now for leaving Wests Tigers.

“Some of it isn’t true — the media blow it out of proportion a bit. It makes me look pretty bad,” he said.

“It’s hard when people don’t know all the facts. The fact is every player off contract goes and looks at other clubs and has to make a decision from there.

Tigers fullback James Tedesco will switch to the Roosters in 2018. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“It did drag out a bit but with the Raiders stuff, I made that decision within a week of going down there.”

THE DECISION

Tedesco stunned Wests Tigers when he signed with the Sydney Roosters.

“It all built up. There was stuff at the club ... I was just looking for a fresh start. Going to the Roosters, I can have that fresh start,” he said.

“I have been at the Tigers for a while now and I can’t thank them enough — they gave me my start. I love the club but I’m looking forward to something new.”

THE FANS

Wests Tigers supporters hammered Tedesco on social media.

James Tedesco wants to make every post a winner during his last season as a Wests Tiger.

“You’ve got to expect that,” he said. “I am still at the Tigers for the rest of this season and I will be doing my best to win games.

“The fans are passionate. They love me and the club, I love the club as well. I love the fans, they’ve always been great to me.

“They will obviously be disappointed with the decision but a lot of them have said good luck to me. They said they would still support me — I hope they do.”

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THE BULLDOGS

Tedesco was close to signing with Canterbury.

“I wasn’t close. I met with them but I had to see what else was out there I guess,” he said. “There were rumours I back-flipped but that wasn’t true.

“I had options there and I chose the Roosters.”