Opinion: Tedesco Must Be Picked As NSW Blues Fullback

The talk over whether the NSW Blues should pick Tedesco or Edwards is a hot topic, but there is only one selection in our mind, and here’s why.

Dylan Edwards may be the incumbent fullback for NSW, but he was picked due to Tedesco being out of form, and Edwards was one of the most in-form fullbacks in the NRL.

If we fast forward to the 2025 season, it is clear that the roles have reversed and James Tedesco is playing in arguably the best form of his career, while Edwards has certainly been hot and cold.

When we look at the season stats below, it’s almost a no-contest when it comes to try assists, tackle breaks, and average run metres.

We do concede that Tedesco has played two more games than Edwards, but at the current rate, Edwards’ stats still wouldn’t top the Roosters fullback.

The Blues have had a habit of ignoring the rule of picking the most in-form player for the position, and it has cost them dearly at times.

Tedesco has made a point this season and has ticked the box in every important stat needed to be picked.

He has also been pivotal in important games for NSW in the past and is reliable in the big game moments.

It’s time to move away from the theory that players should be picked due to them being the incumbent, and pick the player who clearly has the best form.

It’s going to hurt a lot of Edwards fans, but he’s not the man for the job this series, and we have no doubt the man to pick is James Tedesco.