James Tedesco has moved to douse speculation of a potential State of Origin recall, despite renewed public calls for his return following New South Wales’ narrow 26-24 defeat to Queensland in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
The former Blues captain, who lost his No.1 jersey to Dylan Edwards in 2024, has been in resurgent form with the Sydney Roosters this season. His performances have helped lift the Roosters to eighth on the ladder, reigniting debate over whether he should reclaim his Origin spot, especially after Edwards’ error-riddled display in a rain-affected contest in Perth.
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Edwards, who has since become the first-choice fullback for both NSW and Australia, came under scrutiny after two critical handling errors—one of which came in the dying seconds of the match. Despite his typically reliable form, the 135-metre effort was considered below-par, sparking frustration among fans who took to social media to question the decision to persist with Edwards over Tedesco or Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Tedesco, however, dismissed any likelihood of a return to Origin, revealing on SEN Radio that he had not been in contact with Blues coach Laurie Daley during the series.
“I knew I wasn’t really in the mix. I know people were talking about it, but I was just putting all my energy into the Roosters,” Tedesco told Greg Alexander and Andrew Voss. “I never really thought I was a chance.”
Reflecting on his current form, Tedesco said a more relaxed leadership style—focused on guiding young players while honing his own game—has been key to his 2025 revival.
“In years gone by, I have tried to do too much. But I’ve let the young guys go and play, and I can just focus on my footy,” he explained.
Wednesday’s Game 2 loss now sets up a must-win decider in Sydney. Coach Daley and captain Isaah Yeo were left ruing their side’s lack of discipline, especially under a lopsided 10-2 penalty count. But both emphasized that unforced errors, not the officiating, were to blame.
“There were certainly a few we were shooting ourselves with… You can’t go and drop the ball in the next set,” Yeo said.
While Edwards is unlikely to be axed for Game 3, the pressure is mounting. Whether Daley sticks with his preferred fullback or turns to the experience of Tedesco could define NSW’s hopes of salvaging the series on home turf.
