Blues coach Laurie Daley says in-form James Tedesco is well in the hunt to make a remarkable Origin return, and his omission from a NSW gathering in January does not signal the end of his time representing his state.
“Because he wasn’t in the camp never meant I wouldn’t pick him – Teddy is in with a shot,” Daley said on Saturday. “He was great on Friday night [in the Roosters’ win over the Dolphins], but he’s been doing that all year.”
Daley attended racing’s Wagga Cup on Friday, but was glad he cut short his night to watch Tedesco’s masterclass against the Dolphins.
The five-star performance piled more pressure on NSW No.1 incumbent Dylan Edwards, who can state his case when the last-placed Panthers take on Brisbane on Sunday.
Tedesco, 32, said he was playing with freedom and without the stress of trying to defend his NSW jersey.
“I’ve been on the other side of it over the years when I’m the fullback and everyone is talking about form, and it does put pressure on you,” Tedesco said after the Roosters’ 36-26 win on Friday.
James Tedesco celebrates with Victor Radley on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images
“I haven’t felt any of that pressure, I’ve just stuck to my process during the week and gone out and played footy, and that’s freed me up to play some of my best footy.”
Daley agreed with that sentiment.
“A lot of guys can struggle with that pressure, especially with the press always writing about your performances,” he said.
“Teddy looks like he’s got a nice balance, he looks comfortable, and he’s not playing and wondering to himself, ‘will Tedesco make it or not make it?’ He’s just going out there, playing his footy and not getting caught up with all the talk. His performances have been great.
“I like his involvement, and he’s very selective with what he’s doing. He’s always had such a high-energy game.”
One left-field option would be to pick both players for the Blues. Edwards made his Kangaroos debut on the wing during the Pacific Championships in 2023.
“I could, but I won’t, unless there are a lot of injuries,” Daley said.
Tedesco and Nicho Hynes were notable omissions from the informal NSW catch-up in January, with Daley saying at the time the squad of players would form the nucleus of the Blues side for his return series as coach.
Tedesco played in game one last year when Edwards went down injured, only for the four-time premiership winner to return and shine against Queensland in games two and three.
Daley said Tedesco was always going to be considered if he started the season strongly.
“We told the guys at that camp how this is the squad we’ll pick our team from, but things can also change, and if your form drops away, and others perform, people will come in from outside the squad,” Daley said. “It was never the be all and end all.”
Daley said Edwards had been performing well in a struggling Penrith team, and it was not lost on him the fullback had polled Dally M votes the past two weeks, including a fortnight ago when he outperformed Tedesco.
“I just want Dylan to continue doing what he’s been doing – he’s been good, he just needs to keep building his match fitness and his game, and I’m sure he’ll be ready to go against the Broncos,” Daley said.
Queensland coach Billy Slater was never going to enter the NSW selection debate but, as one of the game’s great fullbacks, he was happy to praise Tedesco’s form.
“I don’t get carried away with numbers, I think numbers can obscure your influence on your footy team, but I’ve been really impressed with his leadership – that’s been the biggest thing,” Slater said.
“It was only five or six years ago he was in one of the most dominant teams in the competition, and now his footy team is vastly different – they’re at a different stage of their development as a footy team – and he’s had to change the way he’s led with so much experience missing. He does it with humility and respect. The way he’s led this group from round one, it’s been pretty impressive.”
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