James Tedesco once again has the hopes of the state on his shoulders

James Tedesco is ready to lead his state for the first time in a game that could determine the State of Origin series.

James Tedesco has cherrypicked the best of Boyd Cordner’s leadership skills Picture: Phil Hillyard

James Tedesco ran for more than 260m in the opening State of Origin game, but his words as much as his actions could shape NSW’s ability to keep the series alive at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.

Tedesco is preparing to make his debut as captain of his state, stepping into the sizeable shoes of Boyd Cordner in a game that could decide this year’s series. The Blues are once again heavy favourites, in part because they have the brilliance of Tedesco at the back.

As good as he has been for NSW on the field, his influence off the park has been just as important this week — notably, he made it his business to pull aside under-siege halfback Nathan Cleary and offer words of encouragement in the lead-up to Wednesday night.

“I spoke to Nath — I think he puts a lot of pressure on himself,” Tedesco said. “We all know how good a player he is and how well he has played this year. I think the big thing for Nath is going out there and being himself and not putting that external pressure on himself.

“Sometimes I think he can overthink a bit. I gave him some words of advice to be yourself and play footy.

“I think if he does that he can definitely lead us to victory. I feel like he does carry a lot of responsibility for our team on his shoulders.

“He doesn’t need to do that — we all have our own roles. Being the captain, I feel like it is my team. That is more on me and increasing my talk during the week.

“I think the boys have responded well.”

Cordner isn’t expected to be at ANZ Stadium, having turned down an offer from the NSW Rugby League to attend the game. His focus at the moment is on his health, but he will no doubt take a keen interest from a distance.

His shadow will loom large over the Blues, in part through Tedesco’s leadership style. The NSW No 1 has spent recent years working under Cordner for club, state and country, cherrypicking the best of his teammate’s leadership style.

“Boyd has led me at club level and NSW and Australia for the last few years,” Tedesco said. “The way Boyd carries himself around camp is something you notice. Every time he talks about NSW it is with passion and pride. I have definitely learnt a lot off him.”

Blues coach Brad Fittler added: “The fact is he has been with Boyd, he knows what leadership is all about. He has been just about the best player in the comp.

“I don’t think anything has to change for James. He is in a good spot at the moment.”

So are Queensland, something that became clear as coach Wayne Bennett used his Origin eve press conference to laugh off critics of his team and ridicule suggestions that ANZ Stadium held some sort of spell over the Maroons.

The Maroons are once again despised outsiders — as they were in Adelaide — but they will touch down with the bit between their teeth after their shock win in Origin I.

Bennett did his best to refute suggestions ANZ Stadium is any cause for concern for his side — the Maroons have lost their past two games at the venue, but before that they won three of the previous four on foreign soil.

A reasonable chunk of his side played at ANZ Stadium only a fortnight ago and three of them — Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Tino Fa’asuaaleaui — were part of the Melbourne side that tasted success in the grand final.

They will have no nightmares when they arrive at the ground. Instead, they will only carry positive thoughts into the game as they attempt to complete one of the great Origin triumphs.

“We haven’t mentioned it,” Bennett said. “I don’t even think they realise they have to get on a plane tomorrow. We haven’t talked about it (ANZ Stadium). I don’t struggle down there — I don’t know why they will struggle.

“Five or six of them in the team just played a grand final down there and four of them were on the winning team. They don’t struggle.”

Bennett has seemingly relished his return to Origin and chances are he will remain there next year as the Queensland Rugby League consider a return to a club coach.

It is understood South Sydney won’t stand in Bennett’s way and the seven-time premiership winner has no doubts he could juggle dual roles.

“I did it seven times before so I don’t know what has changed,” Bennett said.