James Tedesco's emphatic State of Origin statement amid calls to axe NSW captain

James Tedesco has once again proved he isn't going to let his Blues No.1 jersey go without a fight having showed his class in the Roosters' 48-6 win over the Rabbitohs. Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and the Rabbitohs had a night to forget against their fiercest NRL rivals with Tedesco once again proving his class.

Only last year, New South Wales fans were calling for a new fullback after Tedesco endured a brutal Game I in the sky blue jersey. His series didn't get much better after the Maroons won their second straight series.

Tedesco also endured a brutal time for the Kangaroos at the end of the year with Australia losing the Pacific Championship final to New Zealand in emphatic fashion. Dylan Edwards was one name being thrown around as a potential replacement for Tedesco in State of Origin with the Panthers fullback a pivotal part of the team's three-straight premierships.

While Tedesco admitted he started the season under pressure, the Roosters fullback has been the standout performer across the NRL. Tedesco further pushed his claim as the incumbent fullback of the Blues with two tries, one try assist and 170 running metres.

The fullback has now scored three tries and provided four try assists so far this season and has most likely jumped out in front of the other candidates to secure another year as fullback and captain of the Blues. After round one this year, Josh Reynolds was already singing Tedesco's praises after looking to be fit and ready for 2024.

“It’s crazy how people talk about that Tedesco is done. He competed on every single play,” Reynolds said after round one. “If you watch that game back, every single kick chase, Teddy nearly got a bat back for his team. It’s probably not a play that everyone watches and says what a game he had, but just being in the picture is important. He really stood up yesterday.

“He probably would have run for nearly 200m, set up that try at the end. I think someone called for a position change throughout the week, and it’s just madness.” Fans have agreed so far and praised Tedesco for returning to his best form after a gruelling pre-season. His performances have also coincided with the Roosters returning to the top of their game.

Michael Maguire facing brutal State of Origin call

Regardless, new coach Michael Maguire will have a tough decision on his hand with the Blues losing the last two contests. The likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen has also returned to form for the Storm after two years of injury.

Earlier in the year, the NSW coach said form in the NRL will be crucial when it comes to picking his side, despite what out-of-form players might have done before in the Origin arena. “I want players who are in really good form, not a lot of noise around what’s going on, allowing them to be at their best,” he said.

Earlier in the year, the NSW coach said form in the NRL will be crucial when it comes to picking his side, despite what out-of-form players might have done before in the Origin arena. “I want players who are in really good form, not a lot of noise around what’s going on, allowing them to be at their best,” he said.

“I definitely am looking at form right now, for sure. History is one thing but I’m looking forward, we want to create (history) too. When you’re in really good form... you take that into the arena, and it breeds around the group, it builds a lot of confidence and belief. I want the NSW players to be the best within their teams, so they’re coming into this arena at their best.”