No point to prove for Teddy after ‘wild 24 hours’ sees him dodge Blues exile

There won’t be any thoughts of ‘proving anyone wrong’ when James Tesdesco suits up for New South Wales for the 23rd straight time, despite initially losing the fullback jersey to Dylan Edwards.

“I don’t think that’s my mentality,” the ex-Blues captain said after being asked by NRL media if he’ll have a “point to prove” when he runs out into Homebush’s 84,000-seater stadium on Wednesday evening in the 2024 State of Origin opener.

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“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.”

Many wouldn’t have blamed Tedesco if he did look to prove Madge wrong, mind you. This Sporting Base writer believes Edwards always deserved the New South Wales number one jumper, but there were some suggesting Teddy getting first run at it first was only fair considering he’d not done anything to play himself out of contention.

And yet, when the squads were named it was Edwards inked in at one—a well-earned honour considering his place in the last four straight NRL grand finals—with Jake Trbojevic (and later Isaah Yeo) named as skipper.

No hard feelings on Tedesco’s side though. He’s in now, and his eyes are fixed on Wednesday’s series opener and what he can do to help Maguire and the Blues claim first blood.

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

“It’s been a bit of a wild 24 hours after Madge called me yesterday after our [Roosters] Captain’s Run and said I could be a chance,” Tedesco then admitted in the NSW camp. “It was a bit crazy. But it’s obviously a huge honour and privilege to be back. I’m disappointed for Dylan with how it’s happened. But it’s a good opportunity for me.”

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This year’s Origin opener is set to be played on Wednesday night at Homebush. The Blues have stretched to $2.05 to win on TopSport after the surprise fullback reshuffle.