James Tedesco has spoken after a “wild 24 hours” that saw him recalled to the NSW team days after being brutally axed.
The veteran fullback insisted he does not have a point to prove in Wednesday’s State of Origin series opener.
The former NSW skipper was controversially dropped from the Blues squad and replaced by Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards, but in a dramatic twist of events has been recalled into the team just four days out from kick-off.
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Edwards suffered an injury during training on Saturday.
Having been on the verge of ending a 22-game Origin streak, Tedesco will now don the No.1 jersey for a 23rd time for his state.
The 31-year-old has been in remarkable form with the Sydney Roosters, recording 71 tackle breaks, seven tries, and nine try assists in the 2024 season to date.
Former NSW Blues captain James Tedesco reacts during State of Origin III, 2022. Getty
Tedesco revealed his focus has shifted to enforcing the Blues strategy, claiming that he does not believe he needs to send a clear message in spite of coach Michael Maguire’s original non-selection.
“I don’t think that’s my mentality,” Tedesco said at Blues camp on Sunday.
“My mentality is doing what’s best for the team, playing my best footy and creating the win. That’s the most important thing for me.
“We’re at home, our first game here, it’s really important to win that first game. You get off to a good start and that’s definitely my goal at the moment.”
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Tedesco said he was disappointed to learn he would not be donning the Blues jersey for Origin I, after captaining the side for the past four series, revealing he had accepted he would be watching the game from the comfort of his own home.
“There’s been injuries all throughout the year so you never know what will happen, but I definitely accepted this week I wasn’t going to be playing,” he said.
“I was going to be watching from home and cheering on the boys.
“I said leading up to this game I would always back whatever Madge chooses and I did that. And now I’m back playing, so it’s funny how the world works.
“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 continued.
“I know how most of these guys play and I know [some of them] 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 will also not wear the captain’s armband for the first time in many years – with Jake Trbojevic taking on the duties despite Tedesco’s return. The veteran fullback confirmed that he has no hard feelings about the situation.
“I just want to do what’s best for the team, however that looks for me,” Tedesco 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.”
Despite the chaos, Tedesco revealed he had spoken with Edwards prior to entering camp and is excited to have the opportunity to don the Blues jersey once again.
NSW Blues captain Jake Trbojevic. Getty
“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,” the Australian captain said.
“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.
“I’m obviously disappointed for Dylan with how it’s happened. But it’s a good opportunity for me.
“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.”
Origin I will kick off at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.