Legendary New South Wales coach Phil Gould has warned Blues players not to take game three lightly, saying skipper James Tedesco could be playing for his State of Origin future.
Despite the game being a dead rubber with the Maroons holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, Gould said there was plenty to play for for a number of Blues stars, with Tedesco leading the pack.
“I’m sure it matters to James Tedesco,” he told Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
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“The coach has shown great loyalty towards him throughout this series in the face of extreme challenges from the likes of Dylan Edwards and (Clint) Gutherson. He’s in the squad this week as is (Scott) Drinkwater, so they’re thinking that maybe the end is coming.
“It matters what James Tedesco thinks and whether or not he can rally, but even if it is his last Origin, how does he want it remembered?
“If it’s not to be his last Origin, he probably needs to get it done this time. So this game is mighty for James Tedesco in his history and his Origin career.”
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Gould also suggested the stakes were high for the debutants and the returning Cody Walker, who is back in the Blues set-up for the first time since 2020.
“You’ve got Cody Walker who has been in and out of Origin a few times, is in prime form at the moment and has been thrown this game,” he said.
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“He can’t win this series for NSW, but he can make a statement to say, ‘Maybe if you picked me before we could’ve won’.
“I feel real sorry for Jarome Luai, I think he’s been one of our best in both games and I think he was extraordinary against the Melbourne Storm, and I’m surprised now is the time to make that change.
“I do know that it was really a toss of the coin before game one as to whether to go to Cody Walker or Jarome Luai, and it was probably the fact that Nathan Cleary played game one that meant Luai got the nod.”
Tedesco, Walker and the Blues will hope to avoid being the first team to be swept in an Origin series since 2010 when they face Queensland at Accor Stadium in Origin III on June 12.
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