Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues captain James Tedesco is into his seventh Origin series and facing his fourth different Queensland coach but the 29-year-old has lost none of his appetite to beat the Maroons.
The NSW side is now in residence at Sydney Olympic Park’s Novotel with the venue for Wednesday’s Game One – Accor Stadium – just outside their hotel windows.
“It’s all coming closer now – a couple of days away – and its been another great camp,” Tedesco told nswrl.com.au.
“I’ve been a in few series now, so I know the process I need to do to get myself prepped and ready.”
There was an added bonus on Sunday, when Penrith premiership winner and former NSW Origin hooker Royce Simmons dropped by training. He spoke with players after recently completing a 300km walk to raise money and awareness for fellow dementia sufferers.
“He was telling us about how good Origin footy is to be a part of and don’t ever take it for granted,” Tedesco said.
“He said don’t let the significance of having this opportunity to represent your state pass you by without taking it all in. He said who knows how many games we’ll each get with the Blues.
“So, it’s on us to make the most of it and go out and do ourselves and our state proud.”
Tedesco, who made his debut in Game Three of the 2016 series and has seven tries from 16 Origin games to his name, has been a part of all coach Brad Fittler’s wins – the 2018, 2019, and 2021 series victories.
He has faced Maroons sides coached by Kevin Walters, Wayne Bennett, Paul Green and now Billy Slater.
“The focus has been more on ourselves and what we can do as a team,” Tedesco said.
“We obviously respect Queensland and what they’re capable of.
“We’ve seen the North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos players in great form for their clubs, so we know they’ll come into this Origin with great confidence.
“But over the years we have just trusted our own team structures and player skills and that’s worked pretty well for us so far in helping us play our best footy.”
