An upbeat James Tedesco is adamant he isn’t hurting, despite being left out of the Blues squad for State of Origin II.
He was a late call up before the series opener, replacing an injured Dylan Edwards. He has played 23 games for his state and captained the team since the retirement of long-time teammate Boyd Cordner.
But now that he hasn’t been picked for game two, Tedesco has conceded that his Origin career is likely over.
READ MORE: The best young guns to watch in Under 19s State of Origin
READ MORE: McKeown loses world record to sizzling US superstar
READ MORE: Dragons land dual blow as $1 million move secured
“Wasn’t expecting to really be back in after Dyl was fit and he was going to play,” Tedesco told 9News on Wednesday.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the 31-year-old, despite the Blues being taken apart in game one.
Tedesco was courageous in game one but unable to drag NSW out of a hole after the send-off of Joseph Suaalii in the seventh minute.
He’s convinced there wasn’t anything more he could have done to impress new Blues coach Michael Maguire.
“Madge came in and wanted to make some changes,” he said.
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
He’s also called upon the Blues faithful to trust the process and take on the changing of the guard, that may not include Tedesco ever again.
“I’ll support that and I think all of NSW should get behind the team and hopefully that can get a win and make it a decider in game three,” he said.
State of Origin game two is on Wednesday at the MCG.