James Tedesco Ready to Shine in 2021 State of Origin Opener
Key Highlights :
The 2021 State of Origin series is set to kick off in Adelaide on May 31, and Latrell Mitchell is convinced that James Tedesco will be ready to shine. Tedesco, the Roosters' captain, has had an underwhelming start to the season, but Mitchell is backing him to rise to the occasion and prove why he is one of the most feared players in rugby league.
Tedesco has always been held to a very high standard, due to his outstanding performances for club, state, and country. He has been a key player in the Blues' success in recent years, helping them to three of four series wins between 2018 and 2021. Despite his struggles at club level this season, former Maroons legend Darren Lockyer still believes that Tedesco is the Blues' player who strikes fear into the hearts of the Queensland team.
Mitchell, who won two premierships with Tedesco at the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, is confident that the fullback will return to his best in the Origin opener. “Teddy is Teddy, clubland is a lot different to this game,” Mitchell said. “He turns up (and) he’s the captain for and this team for a reason, in the way that he conducts himself and leads. “He’ll be nothing short of amazing next Wednesday night.”
The Roosters are currently in the midst of a rebuild, and Mitchell believes that this has been the cause of Tedesco's struggles this season. “They’re at a rebuild stage now and they’re trying to find people to fit into their positions,” Mitchell said. “Any club goes through it, it’s about combinations and them finding their feet.”
Mitchell will be returning to the left centre spot for the Blues, with Penrith flyer Brian To’o reprising his role outside of him on the left wing. Mitchell is looking to rekindle the form from his last Blues appearance two years ago when he scored four tries across the series. “I’m pretty excited to go to Adelaide and do it,” Mitchell said.
With Tedesco and Mitchell both in form, the Blues are confident that they can get off to a winning start in the 2021 State of Origin series. Tedesco is ready to prove his doubters wrong and show why he is one of the best players in the game, and Mitchell is sure that he will deliver on the big stage. “Teddy will show up, I have no doubt,” Mitchell said.
