Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield comment: Michael Maguire’s brave call to axe James Tedesco should be applauded

Michael Maguire could have taken the easy option and selected James Tedesco at fullback. Instead, the best 17 players, on form, will be running out for NSW, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

NSW Blues head coach Michael Maguire didn’t take the soft option at the selection table. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Michael Maguire was true to his word.

He has been telling us for months the NSW State of Origin side would be picked on form. And it has been.

In the case of James Tedesco’s sacking, it’s harsh but fair.

The Roosters superstar has been such a wonderful servant in the Blues jersey as fullback and captain.

And he has been playing 7.5 out of 10 most weeks for the Chooks.

But the fact of the matter is that he is no longer among the top three fullbacks in rugby league.

I would personally go Reece Walsh, Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Edwards in that order.

Maguire could have taken the softer option.

It would have been easy to stick by Teddy – and no-one would have blown up.

However, loyalty can’t last forever. It can never be permanent.

NSW Blues head coach Michael Maguire didn’t take the soft option at the selection table. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

We have lost Origin the last two years with Tedesco at the helm and the Kangaroos were also whacked 30-nil by the Kiwis in October last year with the Roosters star at fullback.

The fact is Edward’s form was simply impossible to ignore.

Not just this year but for three straight seasons and three premiership victories.

This guy is a big game player. One hell of a footballer.

Everyone named in the NSW Blues side deserves to be there on form.

Your columnist is on record as saying Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii should not have been in the mix because he has signed a $5 million contract to play rugby union.

Again, on form, however, I can’t criticise his selection.

Zac Lomax is another example of Maguire and his selectors going for the players who have aimed up and performed the best in the club rounds. He so deserves the spot.

Even Cameron McInnes. He’s been named to start at lock ahead of Isaah Yeo.

McInnes is the form number 13 in the comp. He is a machine, built for Origin, and as tough as any man in this game.

Now let’s stay on form lines …

Nicho Hynes had a shocker in the first half against the Panthers on Saturday night. Two missed tackles, two kicks into touch on the full. Plus, he’s got a dodgy calf muscle.

It would have been easy to leave him out.

But his form over the first three months of the competition almost demanded he be included.

And then you come to Latrell Mitchell.

Dylan Edwards (R) is the form fullback in the state. Picture: NRL

Yes, he’s a game breaking football player, an absolute powerhouse and proven on the biggest stage.

It’s the same as Tedesco … his form since the beginning of the season didn’t warrant a jumper.

Overall, this is a great NSW team.

If we get rolled it won’t be from a selection blunder.

The best 17 players, on form, will be running out for NSW.