State of Origin Game 2: James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses bond inspring NSW Blues to create history
James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses have celebrated many milestones together, and NSW fans will be hoping their unbreakable bond can help the Blues save the Origin series.
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Mitch Moses introduced himself to James Tedesco with a chip-and-chase over the fullback’s head 13-years ago.
“I let him know about it all the time,’’ Moses smiled.
“It was in 2010, I was playing for Balmain and he (Tedesco) was playing for Wests and we were getting beat by about 40.
“It was pouring down rain at Leichhardt. They had 40-points on us, so I tried a chip-and-chase on him.
“You could say we’ve been mates ever since.’’
A mateship and bond forged more than a decade ago is what all of NSW are hoping will prove unbreakable against Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
“I know Mitch on a personal level and I just know he’s ready for this game, probably more than he’s ever been,’’ Tedesco, 30, said.
The Blues brothers in arms have walked through every major milestone together.
Like polaroids in an album, Wednesday night promises to be a moment in time that the buddies will cherish forever.
They have been there for 21st birthdays, NRL debut matches and were even flatmates fighting over chores back when they both played together for the Wests Tigers.
More recently, Moses, 28, was a member of Tedesco’s bridal party and next January, Tedesco will be a groomsman for the NSW halfback.
Even their shared love of golf has included Moses - a first-time father - offering baby notes between holes to the Blues captain, ahead of his bub’s arrival in October.
“We’re close mates, so to be able to share this arena with him is pretty special,’’ Moses said.
So tight are the Blues duo that they played golf the day before Moses went out and won the right to wear the Blues No.7 jersey by dominating for Parramatta against the Bulldogs last Monday.
Tedesco says his confidence in Moses filling the void of an injured Nathan Cleary has never felt more assured.
“I have a strong belief that he can definitely get it done,’’ Tedesco said.
“Obviously it’s disappointing for Nathan, but it’s an opportunity for Mitch.
“We played in (game three) 2021 together up there in Brisbane when we had already won the series and I think Mitch learned so much from that experience.
“This is a great moment for Mitch to show everyone that he is one of the best halfback’s in the game.
“He’s matured a lot and he really owns that Parramatta team.
“Even coming in here the last couple of days, he’s really owned being the leader, being the halfback of this team.
“Because you have to be the voice and lead the boys around, which is exactly what he’s done.’’
Having spent so much time together, Tedesco added that the advantage for NSW was their innate understanding of how to get the best out of each other.
“When we played for the Tigers we definitely had lots of moments where we’d pop up for each other,’’ Tedesco said.
“Being that close off the field, that definitely translates on the field.
“But we have to make it happen. We’re two key players who need to be at their best.’’
Some would say that Moses is on a hiding to nothing.
The Blues halfback is under such an intense spotlight of pressure to perform, others would run a mile from.
But with his wingman by his side in Tedesco, Moses just smiled and said he’s ready.
“I’m just pumped to be here. There’s so many special players to play with,’’ Moses said.
“I just can’t wait to get out there. It’s even better doing this with one of your best mates.’’
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