In the aftermath of New South Wales’ narrow 26-24 defeat to Queensland in Game 2 of the State of Origin series, former Blues captain James Tedesco has responded to growing speculation about a potential return to the representative scene. Despite public calls for the experienced fullback to make a comeback, particularly after Dylan Edwards’ underwhelming performance, Tedesco has effectively dismissed any suggestion of reclaiming the No. 1 jersey.
Wednesday night’s game in Perth proved a major setback for the Blues, who were hoping to clinch the series ahead of the final match in Sydney. Under wet and difficult playing conditions, New South Wales struggled with discipline and execution, ultimately falling short against a determined Maroons side. Laurie Daley, the Blues’ coach, and Nathan Cleary, a key figure in the squad, both came under scrutiny for their tactical decisions and inability to close out the match. However, much of the spotlight has also fallen on Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards, who had a less-than-stellar performance.
Edwards, who has held down the No. 1 position for both NSW and the Australian national team, hasn’t quite matched the high standards he set in previous seasons. While he remains a crucial part of the Panthers’ setup and has earned respect at the representative level, his Game 2 outing left many questioning his current form. Slippery conditions and high-pressure moments contributed to a couple of costly errors, most notably a dropped ball in the final seconds of the match that ended any hopes of a last-minute NSW miracle.
This performance has reignited discussions about whether James Tedesco, now playing some of his best football for the Sydney Roosters, should be considered for a recall. Having lifted the Roosters back into top-eight contention in 2025, Tedesco’s club form has been impressive. He appears rejuvenated and is leading by example in a squad that includes several rising stars. His return to form has fueled arguments that he could be the stabilizing presence NSW needs in a must-win Game 3.
However, Tedesco appears to have moved on from the representative scene. Speaking on SEN Radio with Greg Alexander and Andrew Voss, he revealed that he hasn’t had any contact with coach Laurie Daley throughout the 2025 Origin campaign. “No, I haven’t had any conversations with Laurie,” Tedesco said. “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 acknowledged that being dropped from the Origin side last year was tough, but he’s since redirected his focus entirely toward club footy. “There was a lot of talk, but I never really thought I was a chance,” he said. He also opened up about changes to his leadership approach in 2025, noting that stepping back slightly and allowing younger teammates to express themselves has helped him find a better balance in his own performance. “I always work hard… but this year I’ve focused on leading by example. In the past, I probably tried to do too much. Now I’m just playing my game and letting the young guys play theirs. That balance has been really good.”
Tedesco’s sentiments echo a broader understanding that his Origin days may well be behind him, even as his on-field performances suggest otherwise. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure would be assets to any side, but he seems content with letting the next generation take over, even if fans aren’t entirely convinced Edwards is ready to be the long-term solution.
Meanwhile, NSW captain Isaah Yeo addressed the loss in his post-match press conference, taking responsibility for the team’s mistakes rather than pointing fingers at officiating. While the 10-2 penalty count in favor of Queensland was a contentious issue among fans, Yeo downplayed its overall impact, focusing instead on the Blues’ inability to maintain possession and capitalize on opportunities.
“There were certainly a few penalties we brought on ourselves,” Yeo said. “Some of them were 50-50 calls—some nights you get them, some you don’t. But the bigger problem was what we did after. You can’t go and drop the ball on the next set. You’d obviously prefer the penalties to be a bit more even, but in the end, we were our own worst enemies.”
Coach Laurie Daley echoed those sentiments, admitting his team’s discipline was far below what’s required to win Origin matches. He acknowledged the side needs a sharper focus heading into the decider in Sydney, especially when playing at home in front of a vocal crowd. The Blues will need to clean up their errors, improve ball handling, and show more composure under pressure if they are to salvage the series.
As for Dylan Edwards, his performance in Game 2 was notably subdued by his usual standards. He ran for just 135 metres and was guilty of two handling errors—crucial ones that bookended a rain-affected match. While those mistakes sparked criticism and calls for a change, it’s unlikely that Daley will make a switch at fullback so late in the series. Edwards has built up considerable equity with his past performances, and the coaching staff may prefer continuity heading into a high-stakes final game.
That said, public opinion remains divided. Many fans still see James Tedesco as the ideal candidate to lead from the back, especially given his resurgent NRL form. The idea of Tedesco finishing his representative career with one final game in front of a home crowd is certainly appealing from a narrative standpoint. Yet, unless Daley changes course dramatically or Edwards suffers an injury, such a recall seems improbable.
For now, the Blues have a week to regroup, assess their errors, and prepare for a high-pressure showdown on home soil. Tedesco, for his part, will keep doing what he’s been doing—playing top-tier footy with the Roosters and letting others speculate about the what-ifs of Origin selection. Whether or not his name is ever called again, he’s shown that he still has plenty to offer the game, even if it’s not on the Origin stage.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on Dylan Edwards in the lead-up to Game 3. The pressure is on the Panthers star to bounce back and justify the faith placed in him, while NSW as a whole faces the challenge of proving they can rise above the inconsistencies and deliver when it matters most.
