‘He still comes in and kills is’: Tedesco backs Trbojevic to handle State of Origin

James Tedesco has no doubt that Tom Trbojevic can play a starring role for the Blues, but he’s got other things to worry about with the Roosters struggling for any cohesion in attack.

TOM TRBOJEVIC AND JAMES TEDESCO

Blues skipper James Tedesco has emphatically endorsed Tom Trbojevic to handle the rigours of the State of Origin arena despite the Sea Eagles superstar battling niggling injuries to start the season.

Trbojevic tried valiantly to inspire his side against the Broncos at Magic Round, but the rugby league world is still waiting for a breakthrough moment from him to show that he’s fully back to his best.

The 26-year-old has fought through back spasms and a groin strain and hasn’t been able to produce the explosive plays he’s capable of.

Tom Trbojevic had one of the most dominant Origin campaigns in 2021, but there are fears fitness could force him out of this year’s team. Picture; Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

It’s why some people are questioning whether the 2021 Wally Lewis Medal winner should be picked for the series opener later this month, with South Sydney centre Campbell Graham’s form making him too good to overlook.

But Tedesco has seen what Trbojevic can do and is backing him to get the job done, adding that his own form needs to improve ahead of game one in Adelaide.

“I think everyone’s seen how well he plays at Origin level no matter if he’s coming off injuries or not playing many games,” Tedesco said.

“He still comes in and kills is. There’d be no doubts over Tommy in the Origin arena.

“I haven’t really asked him week to week how he’s travelling.

“It’s hard because I’m not playing my best either. There’s more than a few of us that aren’t playing our best. The main focus is playing the best for your club and winning games and then Origin is on top of that.

“It’s hard to look forward when you just want to focus on your club.”

The Roosters are coming off a shock loss to the Cowboys where they continued to struggle in attack. Picture; NRL Photos

Tedesco’s comments came 24 hours after the Roosters were soundly beaten by the struggling Cowboys in a Magic Round boilover that no one saw coming.

The Roosters managed a late try to avoid the embarrassment of being held scoreless by a team that had conceded 44 points in round nine.

It’s a huge concern for a team that has scored just 153 points this season, with only the bottom-placed Tigers scoring fewer points in the opening 10 rounds.

“It was pretty hard to watch back,” Tedesco lamented, calling out his side’s lack of attention to detail in simple things like support runs.

“Our attack isn’t where it should be. We have so many talented players, but it seems like we’re relying on that at the moment and there isn’t much connection.

“It’s really low at the moment and we’re relying on individuals to come up with something. That’s not how you win games or score tries. It’s disappointing for us to still be like that 10 rounds in, but we know it’s easily fixable.”

Joseph Manu tried hard but lacked creativity against North Queensland. Picture; Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Roosters fullback defended rugby-bound Joseph Suaalii for his lack of involvement against the Cowboys, and backed the new halves pairing of Luke Keary and Joseph Manu to get better over time.

The team is more than capable of turning it around quickly, but these are the same issues Tedesco identified before the start of the season and time is running out with a game against the defending premiers just days away.

“I feel like it’s a work in progress, but I’m enjoying playing with Joey in the halves,” Tedesco said.

“Luke enjoys steering the team around but he needs to get his instincts up to play his best footy. It’s a work in progress, but I’m enjoying having Joey in there. I feel like it’s going to get better and better.

“I know it’s not looking that great at the moment, but we have had two wins with him there and one loss so it’s not all doom and gloom.”

Originally published as ‘He still comes in and kills is’: Tedesco backs Trbojevic to handle State of Origin