‘Doesn’t silence the criticism’: Paul Crawley backs James Tedesco critics

A journo has doubled down on calls for Blues captain James Tedesco to be replaced in the NSW Origin team for game two.

NewsCorp’s Paul Crawley has backed the critics of James Tedesco’s performance in State of Origin game one, defending the fans’ right to share their opinions.

Tedesco’s place in the Blues side has been hotly debated since last Wednesday’s match, with question marks over the NSW captain’s stranglehold on the No. 1 jersey.

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The criticism came despite Tedesco running a game-high 217m, although there were questions about his involvement disrupting the halves and about the quality of the metres he gained.

He was also slammed for the moment he was held up over the line by the Maroons, when another pass would have put Josh Addo-Carr over in the corner untouched.

Tedesco bounced back to form in the Roosters’ 25-24 win over the Bulldogs on Sunday however, running 200m, scoring two tries, producing a line break and a try assist in the victory.

But speaking on Fox League’s NRL 360, Crawley argued one strong performance doesn’t turn what’s been an underwhelming season for the dynamic fullback.

“There were a lot of NSW fans who weren’t happy with Teddy’s performance in game one and I believe they’re entitled not to be happy and they’re entitled to express their views as we all are,” he said.

“We want people to come through the gates, we want them to pay for merchandise, we want them to pay for subscriptions, we want their emotional attachment to the game.

“But unless they’ve played 350 games or coaches NSW and Australia, they’re not allowed to have an opinion.

“And then over the weekend, Teddy fired back after what was a very average performance, let’s face it, in game number one. And he fired back against the Bulldogs on a Sunday afternoon match in Gosford between two teams ranked down near the bottom of the ladder and the Roosters scraped home.

“Yes, he had an outstanding game but for mine, that does not silence the criticism of Teddy in game one.

“What will silence the criticism of Teddy in game one is if he turns up in game two and has an absolute blinder.”

Crawley said the commentators and pundits had said “the criticism was unfair”.

“Not it wasn’t,” Crawley continued. “It wasn’t unfair.

“Anyone you spoke to on the night in private or on social media, in the offices, everyone spoke about the fact Teddy did not have his greatest night. He’s been under his best all season, and I’m telling you now, that was not his greatest performance and people are entitled to express their opinion.”

NewsCorp’s Dave Riccio questioned the sentiment however, saying: “Not enough to drop the captain.”

But Crawley said even Tedesco admitted he hasn’t been at his best this season.

“He fired back against the Bulldogs but even he said after the game on the weekend, to his credit, he said ‘I thought some of the criticism was fair,” he added.

“And that shows you he believes he’s got to be better.”

Riccio replied: “Criticism is absolutely fine but to consider sacking the NSW captain who’s on the verge of creating history as far as most games as a fullback for the Blues...”

Crawley came back: “The reality is NSW in the last three years have lost two of the three series against the odds. And he hasn’t had the greatest start to the season. He had a terrible game in Adelaide and people are entitled to their views.”

Tedesco revealed he had deleted his social media accounts after his game one performance.

Fans and pundits had brought up other players who could replace Tedesco, including two-time Panthers premiership winner Dylan Edwards and South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell.

Crawley said he’d go with a fit Mitchell.

“I think Latrell is the most dangerous fullback in the NRL at the moment, full stop,” Crawley said.

“Well, Latrell’s injured and there’s no way in the world they’re going to drop Teddy. But you want me honest opinion? I would have Latrell at fullback.”

Originally published as ‘Doesn’t silence the criticism’: Paul Crawley backs James Tedesco critics