Key James Tedesco detail emerges over State of Origin snub after Kalyn Ponga's Kangaroos declaration

Roosters captain James Tedesco has 'peaked' at the right time for the Roosters putting in arguably his best performance of the year in the win over Manly only hours after superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga declared he wants to play for the Kangaroos. The Roosters destroyed a hapless Manly Sea Eagles with the game erupting in the opening minutes as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' opening collision with Tolu Koula left the back concussed.

Manly were then left reeling when Jake Trbojevic left the field minutes later. And they were never able to recover as the Roosters battered Manly with their forwards dominating the Sea Eagles from start to finish in the 40-16 win.

And Tedesco in his 250th NRL game was outstanding having scored two tries, provided two try assists, made seven tackle breaks and ran for 183 metres. The Roosters No.1 was everywhere and was rightfully the player-of-the-match as the Roosters set up a clash with the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary NRL final.

And Tedesco's performance during the NRL finals has many suggesting the fullback has benefited from not playing throughout the whole State of Origin series this year. Tedesco played in the Blues' Game 1 loss to the Maroons, before he was dropped for Dylan Edwards.

The Panthers fullback was outstanding in Game 2 and 3, which saw the Blues win both to win back the series. This prompted plenty to suggest Edwards would go on to wear the No.1 jersey for the Kangaroos at the end of the year.

However, Tedesco has clearly benefited from not playing the entirety of the Origin series. The 31-year-old looked to have peaked at the right time for the Roosters this year and also showed a turn of speed against Manly that had fans stunned.

Tedesco appeared to have lost a step across the last 18 months, but he showed he was not to be underestimated against the Sea Eagles. Tedesco has already declared his intention to play for the Kangaroos if Mal Meninga selects him.

And many felt his Origin snub has helped him find his best form come the end of the year. This has many choosing the fullback over Edwards when it comes time for the Kangaroos to play Tonga and New Zealand.

Kalyn Ponga declares Kangaroos interest after season over

While Tedesco had a standout game against Manly, many feel Newcastle's Ponga should be given his debut in the No.1 jersey for the Kangaroos. Meninga fended off questions the other day to what more Ponga could do to wear the jersey after his electric display in a losing team against the Cowboys.

And on Saturday, Ponga appeared on SEN Radio to declare his intention to play for the Kangaroos if selected. When asked if he would play if selected, Ponga was adamant. "Yeah I am. I have had no niggles in the back-half of the season. So that is good. I am fit and fighting," he said.

Meninga recently admitted he wants to select players not carrying injuries into the two international matches at the end of the season. Last week, Ponga had two linebreaks, two try assists, seven tackle breaks and ran for 188 metres from 19 carries in easily the most dominant individual display for either team.

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The reigning Dally M Medallist proved almost impossible to tackle at times and gave the Cowboys defenders nightmares. Meninga will have a big decision to make with Edwards carrying an injury into the back-half of the season into NRL finals. Kangaroos coach Meninga has hinted already hinted both Latrell Mitchell and Reece Walsh won't be selected for Australia at the end of the season having missed out on too much footy to finish the year.