‘I’m not expecting much’: James Tedesco’s sole focus is on the Roosters, with the former Blues skipper not banking on a Blues recall

James Tedesco hasn’t been burdened by State of Origin expectations this year, but he is right in the mix to earn a recall even if he doesn’t expect it.

A circumspect James Tedesco says he’s “not expecting much” when the NSW team is announced on Monday, with the former Blues skipper fully focused on the Roosters and not weighed down by the pressure of trying to win the fullback spot.

Tedesco would love to represent his state again but hasn’t been obsessed with trying to prove anything as others debate whether he should replace Dylan Edwards at the back.

The 32-year-old isn’t slowing down and is playing some of the best footy of his career, with the Roosters superstar finishing second in Dally M voting last season in a year where he also lost his Blues jersey to his Panthers rival.

Tedesco has played 23 matches for his state – including last year’s series opener after Edwards pulled out with an injury – and no one would be surprised if returning coach Laurie Daley picked him for the match on May 28.

His numbers in attack have been extraordinary over the past 12 months, but he isn’t predicting a phone call this weekend.

James Tedesco’s sole focus has been on the Roosters, with the former Blues skipper not expecting to be picked for the Origin opener. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I’m not expecting much, to be honest,” he said.

“I’m putting my energy into the Roosters at the moment. I know that there’s a lot of external talk about different positions and players in form, but I haven’t really put too much energy into it because I know that if I do start worrying about it, then it’ll affect my footy.

“I haven’t felt that pressure of getting picked for NSW, so I’ve just been out enjoying my footy and leading from the front. That’s been the key to me getting back to my footy.

“I hold myself to a high standard every game of every week. I know that if I put all the work in that week and I tick the boxes physically and mentally, then I can go out and play and enjoy my footy.

“I feel like I’ve done that really well this year not worrying about external pressures of Origin and other people’s opinions. That’s really freed me up.

“I just have to keep playing my footy. I know that if I do that and stay on the field and stay fresh, I know I can lead us to success, which is my main goal.”

James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards are the two leading candidates to play fullback for the Blues. Picture: Tim Hunter

Tedesco spent years hearing chat about Edwards, Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell replacing him at the back for the Blues, with the workhorse fullback silencing his critics every time with huge numbers in Origin.

But there’s a different vibe this time around with Tedesco going from the Origin hunted to a man on the outside, and that suits him perfectly ahead of Friday’s blockbuster battle with the Bulldogs.

“It’s easier than being on the other side,” he said.

“I was there for seven or eight years as fullback, and then the start of the year rolls around and people start talking about form and other fullbacks. I think that was definitely harder, and I haven’t felt that (this year) which has freed me up and allowed me to play my best footy.

“Even though there’s been more talk about it over the past few weeks, nothing really changed for me. I think as I’ve got older and more experienced, I’m a lot better at that. When you’re young, you’re looking for people to give you positive comments.

“But I’ve realised to let go of that so I’m not focused on that.

“I still feel like I can perform at that level. I still feel like the way that I’m playing means I can do good things in that jersey. But I haven’t put too much pressure on myself to really want to make this team.

“I’d love to because we play the game to play in representative teams and to be the best in your position. That’s still there, but energy-wise, I haven’t given it too much thought and that’s shown in the way that I’m playing.”

Originally published as ‘I’m not expecting much’: James Tedesco’s sole focus is on the Roosters, with the former Blues skipper not banking on a Blues recall