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Tedesco confirmed to play Origin opener

3 minute read

NSW Blues have confirmed James Tedesco will play game one of the State of Origin series after overcoming a knee injury.

JAMES TEDESCO during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin Training Session in Kingscliff, Australia.
JAMES TEDESCO during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin Training Session in Kingscliff, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

NSW fullback James Tedesco has been passed fit to play the State of Origin opener in Adelaide after he was confirmed by the Blues in a heavy session on Saturday.

The Sydney Roosters star was put through contact, footwork and speed work with the Blues side on Saturday and got through the entire session without pain despite copping a few knocks on the troublesome knee.

"It's good, very good. I got through the session with contact, footwork and everything so I'm good to go," he said.

"I was already pretty clear in my mind from the start of the week.

"I obviously had to tick off the physical side of it but got through everything (on Saturday) and get through it again on Monday.

"I got through it good, got a few bumps on it and there was no dramas."

The Blues were put through their toughest session of the week and Tedesco completed it, albeit in a yellow bib to caution against heavy contact at the tail end of the run.

But he ran freely with the strapping on his left knee and finished with a maximum speed drill.

"I've had a few weeks off my legs which has been good for me mentally I think just to refresh and get away from footy for a bit and then come into camp and get the excitement back into footy," he said.

With just four days until the series opener against Queensland it allows coach Brad Fittler to settle the rest of his combinations before Wednesday.

"There's a combination between him and Luke (Keary) at club football and then with (Damien Cook) over the last two years," Fittler said.

"Combinations are big in big games where there's a lot of pressure, so there's just a familiar voice knowing what people do, characteristics and mannerisms, so he's a big in for us."

Clint Gutherson will remain at right centre which will force back up centre Zac Lomax to drop off the extended bench.

Cody Walker, who has been named in the No.14 jersey, will then be versed in all spots as a utility for Wednesday night.

In Saturday's session Walker looked the most dangerous player on the paddock.

Fittler had previously labelled Walker the best player in the comp as South Sydney went on a magic run through the end of the NRL season, but opted to start Keary in the halves instead.

"Luke Keary has been one of the best players in the comp for the last three years so if anyone deserves a spot it's Luke Keary," Fittler said.

"Cody, his best football over the last two months has been incredible and I just feel like there's a scenario somewhere where Cody can come on and show us that type of footy.

"He's trained as fullback too and given Teddy has taken an injury ... even though he's telling me it's not an injury anymore, he's got to practise pretty much everywhere.

"The way Cody plays, he knows every position."

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