Tedesco 'not expecting much' as Origin selection looms

Perth Now

15-05-2025

James Tedesco is not expecting a phone call from Laurie Daley this weekend as the NSW State of Origin coach decides on his team for the series opener.
It's not that the 23-time Blues representative has lost motivation to represent his state, it's just that he no longer puts pressure on himself to be selected.
Sydney Roosters captain Tedesco says it's that lack of pressure fuelling the form that has catapulted him back into Origin calculations.
Tedesco's NSW career appeared over when Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards usurped him for Origin II last year and helped inspire the two victories that confirmed a NSW series win.
But this year, Tedesco's form and fitness have been superior to Edwards' on a Panthers side that has spiralled to the bottom four on the NRL ladder.
The 2021 Origin series-winning captain and NSW's most-capped fullback, Tedesco sits among the greatest-ever Blues and is considered Daley's leading option outside of Edwards.
But the Roosters star has been at peace with his lack of Origin selection since Edwards replaced him last year.
"I'm not expecting much, to be honest," said Tedesco when asked of his selection chances for the May 28 series opener.
"I still feel like I can perform at that level. I still feel like the way that I'm playing means I can do good things in that jersey.
"But I haven't put too much pressure on myself to really want to make this team.
"I'd love to because we play the game to play in representative teams and to be the best in your position.
"That's still there, but energy wise I haven't given it too much thought - and that's shown in the way that I'm playing."
Tedesco has been the shining light on a hot-and-cold Roosters side this season, sitting equal-third on the Dally M leaderboard through 10 rounds.
The 32-year-old has made the second-most tackle breaks, run for the second-most metres of any player in the league and crossed for two tries in the round-eight win over St George Illawarra on Anzac Day.
He said his form was no coincidence, given he has been free from the yearly scrutiny about keeping his Origin spot.
"I haven't felt that, which has freed me up and allowed me to play my best footy," he said.
"Even though there's been more talk about it over the past few weeks, nothing really changed for me.
"As I've got older and more experienced, I'm a lot better at (handling) that.
"When you're young, you're looking for people to give you positive comments. But I've realised to let go of that so I'm not focused on that."
The Origin captaincy has been another hot-button issue this year, with last year's skipper Jake Trbojevic no guarantee of being selected.
Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Stephen Crichton are all options to captain the state if Trbojevic misses out.
"There's so many leaders who would do a great job so I don't think you can go wrong with whoever they're going to pick," said 11-time Origin captain Tedesco.