As we woke yesterday morning to the realisation New South Wales were the new champions of interstate rugby league, most punters south of the border would have been lauding the efforts of Brad Fittler and his new look side, with 12 or so rookies of the Origin arena.
A great ‘team effort’ was talked about around water coolers on Monday. Fittler and his staff must be commended, as should the entire NSW team on their drought-breaking series win.
But it is the man in the number one jersey I care to praise the most. He has reached that rarified air in rugby league reserved only for the best. James Tedesco played a nine out of ten in Game 2, two weeks after he played a ten. His game was phenomenal, and yet some rugby league commentators rated him a seven.
There is a higher standard set for Tedesco than any other player in the game. He’s that good. Teddy doesn’t drop bombs, he rarely misses one-on-one tackles, he always busts a tackle or two, and when Kalyn Ponga set sail for a series-defining late try in the corner, there was only one man who could have cut him down.
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
There was even talk of Tom Trbojevic replacing Tedesco at fullback earlier in the season, but Fittler, a legend himself, clearly recognises sheer ability more than most of today’s journalists and spectators. His tally of tries at the Roosters may be a little lower than expected this year but his effort and impact is always elite.
So as the young superstar Ponga was chopped down in that classic cover tackle, the series was saved, the Blues were on their way to taking the shield and the plaudits would be shared.
And Tedesco in his own humble and unassuming manner praised his forwards and his halves, not his own series, which was as blemish-free as it was brilliant. Without him Queensland may just have been headed to a hometown decider.
As New South Wales enters a period of increased prosperity, it is only a matter of time before Tedesco’s exploits start to be recognised for what they are: greatness.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
I thought Tedesco was excellent the whole game, not a single error came out of his performance, set up the winning try and was everywhere in defence, slater went missing after setting up the first 2 tries, threw a forward pass at a critical time in the game so I'm not sure how that is supposed to be better..
Kelvin Johnson
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately most league supporters only watch the attacking side of the game. Tedesco is brilliant behind the line at organising the defense. Tommy can't cover anywhere near as much ground as what Tedesco does in defense. The try Queensland scored last year to win was scored when Tedesco was off the field for a HIA. Duggan also can't run the miles Tedesco can and was nowhere to be seen as they scored.
wayne winchester
Guest
Tedesco was brilliant - watch the game again if you missed his near faultless performance. MIstake free when taking kicks and nailing Ponga when all else thought the young freak was uncatchable. BUT please take a leaf out of Slaters book and chime into the backline more often to make the extra man and put Jimmy the Jet into space.
Albo
Guest
Even Tom admitted he stuffed up coming in for that QLD first try, but not sure he did much wrong after that, though the QLD defence were much stronger on him for Game 2. Not sure what Tom did wrong for the other QLD tries, as they were both scored down Ado-Carr's left wing ?
Albo
Guest
Spot on ! Teddy's positional play was outstanding all night. He was better contained by the QLD defence this time, but he was error free and safe in all he did, unlike his opposite who got most of the plaudits. I wouldn't have him as Man of the Match but I would have him in the running behind Cordner, Cook & Maloney.
Ron Norton
Roar Rookie
Maybe Tom would do as well at fullback but a winger he is not … out of position too much. He let in Qld's first try by leaving his wing and made a similar mistake in their second-half try.
Paul
Roar Guru
The comments about Tedesco not dropping bombs, rarely missing tackles, etc were all happening in Club footy which is part of the reason why Turbo Tom was considered a better fullback prospect for NSW before game 1 by many. His rating of 8/10 was fair. He did nowhere near as much damage in attack and a player who is supposedly "greatness" reborn, should have found a way to beat the Qld defence. The really good thing for NSW moving forward is having both Tom & Teddy available for the number 1 jumper. Teddy has the spot for now but Tom would do an equally good job.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Spot on, NSW won and lets not pick the good from the bad. Tedesco's tackle on Ponga was a match winner and that is all you want from your fullbacks. The bloke continually does things that put him on top and that is all we want expect from Teddy. Well done!
Forty Twenty
Guest
He did what you have to do to be a great player. If you can't win the game yourself with a try or two make sure you don't cost your team the game with mistakes , particularly silly ones. Most of the NSW team were able to do this and hopefully the rest will climb aboard for the next series. Qld defended Tedesco very well also.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Teddy “only” ran for 144 metres on Sunday night. That’s the first origin game he hasn’t run for 200 which is remarkable given he’s now played six games. He had a try assist and a great try saving tackle on Ponga following the linebreaks on Sunday. I thought he was close to NSW’s best again...
Geoff Dustby
Guest
you are either related or his best mate from high school. serious hyperbole alert, plenty of seriously good judges rate Tom T as a better FB (unlike legend Fittler who now knows all) as for this comment "There is a higher standard set for Tedesco than any other player in the game." - i am still laughing He is an excellent player but plenty of other great FB out there. He played well on Sunday but Slater was better