Why battle between Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco for New South Wales fullback position is far from settled

Laurie Daley has made is clear he’ll be picking players for his NSW side who can walk into camp with confidence in their game. It’s why an Easter showdown is set to intensify NSW’s fullback battle, writes DAVID RICCIO.

Easter means many things to many people.

To James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards, Easter Saturday when the Roosters host the Panthers at Allianz Stadium provides a showdown that could be a factor in who wears the NSW State of Origin No.1 jersey.

Edwards, the outstanding Blues incumbent, is in the midst of his greatest battle at club level, attempting to help Penrith break a 1-5 start to 2025.

No team has won a premiership after starting a season with one win or less from their opening six matches of a season. The Panthers are second-last, their western Sydney rivals Parramatta holding down last spot.

On the comeback trail from a groin injury, Edwards returned against The Dolphins last Thursday. The elusive fullback did everything he could to inspire his side, running for over 160 metres with eight tackle busts.

However, NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has gone public with his declaration that he will be picking players in form and who can walk into camp with confidence in their game.

Dylan Edwards occupied the Blues No.1 jersey in 2024. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

James Tedesco has 23 appearances for NSW. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Edwards wouldn’t even be thinking of the Blues right now. His entire focus is trying to revive the Panthers.

Undeniably, Edwards’ epic Origin III performance last year holds massive weight.

However, if Penrith are still struggling in the next four to five weeks, when Daley is penning names for Origin I, is that the mindset of a player who has been grinding hard for his team that the Blues coach wants to walk into camp with?

Tedesco is also at a club dealing with consistency issues. They’re 2-4 to begin the year.

However, the same can’t be said for the Roosters and former Blues captain, who is consistently the best player on the field.

Running for 204 metres with an extraordinary 13 tackle busts against the Broncos last Friday night, the 32-year-old is equal fifth on the Dally M leaderboard.

The Roosters have already beaten Penrith this season in Round 2.

If they beat the premiers again, the battle for the Blues fullback jersey between Edwards and Tedesco will only intensify.