James Tedesco’s telling call as NSW Blues showdown with Dylan Edwards looms

James Tedesco has sounded a warning to fellow NSW fullback Dylan Edwards ahead of their highly anticipated clash on Saturday.

James Tedesco has voiced his desire to reclaim the NSW No. 1 jersey ahead of Saturday’s clash with the fullback who replaced him in State of Origin last year, Dylan Edwards.

On the comeback trail from a groin injury, the Panthers fullback returned against the Dolphins last Thursday.

However, his return could not lift the defending premiers to success, despite the fullback registering more than 160m and eight tackle busts.

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But while many believe he seemingly has a stranglehold on the Blues jersey, NSW coach Laurie Daley has declared he will pick this year’s team solely on form.

So while undeniably Edwards’ incredible Origin III performance last year, which clinched the series for NSW, will carry major weight, he still finds himself at risk of losing the jersey, with both Tedesco and Ryan Papenhuyzen in sizzling form this year.

Running for 204 metres with a whopping 13 tackle busts against the Broncos last Friday night, Tedesco is currently equal fifth on the Dally M leaderboard and has his eyes on producing another stellar performance against Edwards’ Panthers in what shapes up to be an Origin showdown.

The former Blues captain is one of the greatest players to ever pull on the NSW jersey, but it appeared his representative career was all but over with Edwards shining after being entrusted with the NSW No. 1 jersey last season.

However, Tedesco has been in inspired form the past two years and his recent form is sure to give Blues coach Laurie Daley, who handed him his Origin debut in 2016, a serious dilemma.

James Tedesco left and right Dylan Edwards.

Tedesco says he feels as good as ever and hasn’t given up hope that he can reclaim the Blues jersey.

“I will always be available. I never said that I wouldn’t be. I just haven’t really given that too much energy this year,” the Tri Colours No. 1 declared.

“I feel like previously when I was the incumbent, there was always a lot of talk before the first Origin over other players and their form.

“I’ve really just put my sole focus into the Roosters and leading as best I can with our young team. I feel like my leadership and my footy has been in a really good spot. So I feel like that’s been good for me.

“I haven’t put too much pressure on myself (about Origin selection) and just trying to win games for this club.”

Laurie Daley handed James Tedesco his Origin debut in 2016 (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Tedesco is also relishing not having the external pressure to keep his spot this year and admits Daley has a tough call to make.

 “I was there from ‘16 to ’23 and every year there was always talk about someone else –

‘Tommy’, ‘Paps’, ‘Dyl’ – it just comes with it,” Tedesco said ahead of this weekend’s clash against the Panthers.

“It does get tough because you just want to focus on playing footy, but obviously Origin is a massive talking point.

“This year it’s been different. I haven’t felt that external talk. I know Dyl has been injured and Penrith haven’t been winning, so it’s pretty hard to judge the start to the year.”

–       With NewsWire

Originally published as James Tedesco’s telling call as NSW Blues showdown with Dylan Edwards looms