Tedesco breaks silence on ‘wild 24 hours' after ‘crazy’ Origin recall

James Tedesco has spoken out about the “wild 24 hours” following a bombshell NSW Blues injury ahead of State of Origin I.

James Tedesco speaks out after Origin whirlwind. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Recalled NSW fullback James Tedesco has spoken out about “wild 24 hours” after being called up to replace Dylan Edwards when the Panthers star suffered an injury in Blues camp on Saturday.

Having been on the brink of seeing a 22-game Origin streak ended, Tedesco will now line up on Wednesday night’s series opener after a whirlwind few days.

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“It’s been a bit of a wild 24 hours after ‘Madge’ (Maguire) called me yesterday after our (Roosters) Captain’s Run and said I could be a chance,” Tedesco said after joining Blues camp on Sunday.

“I had to wait until this morning. I was either going to be playing a (NRL) game today or coming into (NSW) camp.”

“It was a bit crazy. But it’s obviously a huge honour and privilege to be back in NSW camp,” he added.

“I’m obviously disappointed for Dylan with how it’s happened. But it’s a good opportunity for me.”

Tedesco is back. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Edwards injury rocked the Blues. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Tedesco revealed he had reached out to Edwards during the week to offer him support after being picked for a potential debut, and added that he had spoken to the injured Panthers star today.

“I’ve just seen him briefly. I sent him a message. It’s just hard, it’s life sometimes – bad luck happens. He definitely deserved the spot here,” he said.

But despite his now-reversed axing, Tedesco says he isn’t going into the game with a point to prove.

“I don’t think that’s my mentality,” he said.

“My mentality is doing what’s best for the team and playing my best footy and helping create the win. That’s the most important thing for me.”

Tedesco will have just two training sessions to get up to speed with a new-look NSW spine ahead of Wednesday’s Game I, with the Blues to have a major session Monday before the captain’s run on Tuesday.

Tedesco is back for the Blues. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I’ve played with most of these guys or I’ve been in camps with pretty much all of them, it’s not like I don’t know any of them,” Tedesco said.

“I know how most of these guys play and I know on a personal level so that definitely helps coming into camp and knowing the guys. I’ve got a couple of training sessions with them together, so just building that connection. It’s a different preparation than I’ve had before.”

The Roosters star’s initial non-selection also meant that he lost his captain’s armband to Jake Trbojevic – a situation that won’t change despite Tedesco’s return. But the veteran says he’s got no hard feelings.

“I just want to do what’s best for the team, however that looks for me,” he said.

“I’m excited for Jakey (Trbojevic) to lead this team, I’m really close to Jakey, I know he’s a proud and passionate New South Welshman, so I’m stoked for him to have that honour.

“I just want to go behind him and follow him to a win. I obviously want to put my best foot forward and play some good footy, but that’s my mentality every game anyway.”

Originally published as Tedesco breaks silence on ‘wild 24 hours' after ‘crazy’ Origin recall