Australia

Tedesco: Personal hatred of Queenslanders no longer a motivation in State of Origin


New South Wales captain James Tedesco says personal hatred no longer drives players’ Origin motivations.

The Blues are looking to complete a clean sweep in the third game of the series against Queensland on the Gold Coast tomorrow night.

Origin history is filled with stories of animosity, but the fullback says times are changing.

“It’s more about the pride, I guess the person and the hating each other has probably gone away from it, but I think that’s just how the game has evolved over the years,” Tedesco said.

In a one-sided 2021 series, Tedesco’s team claimed the first game 50-6 and the second 26-0 despite both being held in Queensland.

Tedesco has more reason than most to feel animosity towards the Maroons, after he was slammed into the turf by Jai Arrow while he was concussed during last year’s series.

Queensland forward Jai Arrow drives a concussed Tedesco into the turf.(

Nine Network

)

He says there is definitely still rivalry, but it subsides when the series finishes.

“It is important to have that passion and pride for your state and your team, but I think it can come and go between that period and when we finish.”

Blues coach Brad Fittler calls the series a showpiece for the game’s best talent, but says there’s still an intense rivalry.

“Origin’s become such a stage for players to go to the next level because of the focus on the game,” he said.

“The players always know the history, and we make sure they’re constantly updated on the history.”

Focus on Mitch Moses

Mitch Moses will debut for the Blues at halfback in game 3, replacing Nathan Cleary, who has suffered a shoulder injury.

Fittler has challenged Moses to prove he belongs in State of Origin.

“It’s up to him,” he said.

A Parramatta Eels NRL player holds the ball in two hands as he prepares to pass.
Mitch Moses will debut for the Blues on Wednesday.(

AAP: Joel Carrett

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“It’s a tricky one for Mitch, because the way we play is a little bit different to the way he does at Parramatta.”

Prop Daniel Saifiti has been ruled out injured, meaning Melbourne’s Dale Finucane will come into the team.

Cleary’s club-mate Jarome Luai has a knee problem, meaning Moses will partner Canberra’s Jack Wighton in the halves.

Panthers hooker Api Koroisau will debut from the bench.

For the Maroons, 19-year-old Cowboys star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will debut in the centres in a team boosted by the return of Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga.



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