Why Tedesco would have been at peace with being axed for Origin III

James Tedesco has declared he would have been “at peace” with any decision to dump him from the NSW side for Origin III, and conceded: “I haven’t performed at the level I know I can perform.”

The Blues captain will play his 22nd consecutive game for the side – and lead his state at Accor Stadium in front of 75,000 fans on Wednesday – as NSW try to avoid the first series whitewash since 2010.

The players have repeatedly spoken about playing for pride in the jersey and their state.

Coach Brad Fittler, whose own future remains clouded beyond Wednesday night, does not like the idea of playing for pride.

“It’s one of the deadly sins, pride,” he said. “It’s actually a negative; worrying about what people think about you. Just doing your best is the most appropriate way to look at it.”

Tedesco, who is also the Kangaroos captain, has struggled for form for the first time in his career, with some commentators calling for his head after the first Origin loss in Adelaide.

James Tedesco at Tuesday’s captain’s runCredit: Rhett Wyman/SMH

The 30-year-old was aware his position was on the line, and spoke for the first time about the chance he may have been dropped by the Blues, which was unthinkable just a couple of months ago.

“I knew I hadn’t performed at the level I knew I could perform,” Tedesco said.

“If I wasn’t going to be picked, I was at peace with that because I knew I could be a lot better than what [I have] shown.

“I’m glad I can still be captain and fullback. I just want to play my best footy.

“It’s not about crossing your fingers and hoping [you play your best], it’s about doing the little things during the week, preparing the best I can, ticking the right boxes, going out, trusting it and enjoying myself when I get out there and play.

“The whole year has been a big learning curve. We haven’t been our best at all at the Roosters, and NSW has been the same.

“Even though it’s been tough, it’s been a good learning experience for me and I’ve grown a lot out of it.”

Tedesco is still in his prime and capable of being the Blues’ No.1 for years. He spoke to Fittler, who told him about his own struggles when he was a player.

James Tedesco will play his 22nd straight game for his state on Wednesday.Credit: Rhett Wyman/SMH

Tedesco said he simply wanted to win, something they should have done in Adelaide, and were entitled to do in Brisbane due to the amount of early possession and field position.

Fittler has always backed Tedesco and said: “He always deserved that [spot]. Players have done a lot worse and been considered and got their job.

“He’s getting to that age where you either go again or you get worn out by it all. He’s aware of that. He’s got 11 months to the next series.”

Fittler has overseen six series in charge as head coach. He’s won three of them and dropped the past two, but his only focus now is a victory on Wednesday.

“I don’t know what it does, but it’s much better than the alternative,” he said. “We just need to win. We haven’t done it.”

Fittler said Spencer Leniu would not play, despite whispers he would be promoted from 19th man into the final 17, while another prop, Stefano Utoikamanu, who was axed after a 14-minute cameo in game two, said he was told by the coach he had been “rested” from the final game.

Fittler confirmed Utoikamanu’s version of events.

“He has been rested,” he said. “Hopefully, he comes back. Hopefully, he goes away and learns if he could have done more. Unless they’re retired, they’re rested.”

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