So, like spicy shaker fries and bucket hats, Teddy’s back.
His recall has been met with fierce criticism by some, mostly Queenslanders. Like it’s their business.
“If I was dropped and then called back in, there would be a feeling of embarrassment,” Gorden Tallis told Triple M. “It’s strange that they have looked backwards again with Tedesco. NSW were looking to the future with Edwards and they should have stuck to that philosophy of looking ahead. It’s a strange feeling for Teddy.”
Am I missing something? Tedesco’s decision to play feels like a trademark Queensland move. He’s set aside his pride and ego to do what’s best for his state. That’s how it would have been framed if he wore a maroon jumper.
There was also criticism from up north about NSW being allowed to pick a player from outside the squad of 20. Some in NSW also wondered why Stephen Crichton wasn’t moved from centre to fullback with Matt Burton, the 18th man, coming into the starting side.
As soon as I heard the ARL Commission had to sign off on Tedesco’s selection, my whiskers twitched at the thought of a conspiracy: the NSWRL and QRL have lodged a joint statement of claim in the NSW Supreme Court against the mothership over the funding of their major competitions.
But ARLC chairman Peter V’landys didn’t hesitate to clear Tedesco. With a flourish of his quill, he was in.
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“As it’s a specialised position due to injury, we allow it,” V’landys told me via text. “Also, same process is followed in NRL if 22 players are selected. Accordingly, NRL football dept have approved.”
QRL chief executive Ben Ikin was even less combative when asked if the Maroons were OK about Tedesco coming in.
“Yep,” he said, also via text.
But we want a stink!
“Wednesday night,” Ikin replied.
How boring.
Edwards has never been to an Origin match, let alone played in one. He’ll attend on Wednesday night as part of the Blues’ inner sanctum, not running on for his debut.
The injury is a cruel blow. He suffered it after catching a high ball then accelerating off the mark. It’s a strain, not a tear, but the Blues medical staff said he ran a high risk of inflicting serious damage if he played.
That would have been a disaster for NSW on the night, and Penrith for the rest of the season.
Dylan Edwards is likely to be out for two to three weeks.Credit: NRL Photos
At this stage, Edwards will be sidelined for two to three weeks, which means he’ll be available for game two. People are already getting ahead of themselves and wondering what it will mean if NSW, inspired by Tedesco, win.
Maguire will leave the crystal-ball gazing to the pundits and punters – he just needs to win game one, in Sydney, no matter what.
He’s picked a team of mostly dour players who will tackle everything in front them. When they have the ball, it will be run, run, run.
The conditions will suit a slugfest.
Accor is greasy enough at this time of year, let alone after the deluge that fell on Sydney Olympic Park at the weekend. The Matildas’ friendly against China on Monday night won’t do the surface any favours.
Tedesco has been criticised for overplaying his hand in the past two Origin series, frequently darting out of dummy half or from first receiver to make up for his forward pack’s inability to gain genuine momentum.
Some called him selfish, but this was merely a captain being a captain, trying to do his best for his state. Paul Gallen faced similar accusations.
Maguire clearly wants to bash down the door in this match, running straight down the middle against Queensland. This time, Tedesco’s busy work out of quick play-the-balls against a tired defence will be invaluable.
His return reeks of an Origin miracle.
Not quite the same as Allan Langer in 2001, when he returned from Warrington to inspire the Maroons to a win in the decider.
Not quite the same as Brad Fittler in 2004, when he came out of representative retirement to win the series, underlined with a try from a charge down late in game three.
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Not quite like Andrew Johns in 2005, when the Blues were busted and he played the best two matches of his Origin career to secure the series.
But Tedesco’s shock call-up will give the Blues a timely shot of self-belief for a match few expect them to win. Edwards deserved his chance, but few sides get to rush in the Australia captain as a replacement.
Yesterday’s man now looms as the man. You can smell it.
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