Blues Origin predicted team: Maguire set to overhaul squad in search of winning combination
New coach Michael Maguire is considering as many as 50 players for the State of Origin series opener with not even captain James Tedesco…
First he defended the shield, then he claimed back-to-back medals.
James Tedesco made history on Monday after becoming the first player to take out back-to-back Brad Fittler medals at the NSWRL awards night on Monday.
The Blues star memorably finished off a miracle 70-metre move to score the last-minute match-winner in the Origin decider at ANZ Stadium in July.
It was a fitting end to a remarkable interstate campaign from the 26-year-old, who also claimed the Wally Lewis medal as the player of the series.
Tedesco carried the ball for more metres (695) and broke more tackles (19) than any other player across all three matches, in addition to his two tries.
The Sydney Roosters fullback, who is widely considered as the best player in the world, also took out the People’s Choice award.
“This is an unbelievable honour and it’s a very humbling experience for me to win back-to-back Brad Fittler Medals,” Tedesco said.
“I’d also like to thank all the fans for voting for me as the People’s Choice winner because they’re the ones who drive me to perform at the highest level.
“I love pulling on the sky blue jersey and playing alongside so many great players and in front of so many passionate NSW supporters.
“It was such an awesome feeling to win the decider in Sydney and I was so proud of the way the boys dug deep to defend the shield.”
Tedesco becomes just the second Blues player to win multiple Brad Fittler medals, joining three-time winner Jarryd Hayne (2007, 09, 14).
He was also appointed as vice-captain by Fittler prior to their game two victory in Perth, which sent the series to a decider in Sydney.
Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr won the True Blues award, honoured to the player who displayed qualities upon which the team ethos is built, while Simaima Taufa was crowned NSW women’s player of the year.
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