Former New South Wales captain James Tedesco has reacted with pure class to a snub from new Blues coach Laurie Daley.
The veteran fullback was a noticeable absentee from a pre-season camp held by Daley last week.
The Origin great – who formerly coached the team and has now stepped into the shoes left vacant by Michael Maguire – brought 28 players together for a meet and greet and to outline his expectations for the months ahead.
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Tedesco has played 23 games for the state and captained the team for several years but was axed by Maguire ahead of last year’s series.
He was fortuitously recalled when Dylan Edwards suffered an injury before game one, but was again dropped when the latter was fit for games two and three.
NSW won the series 2-1 after being thumped in the game Tedesco played.
James Tedesco and Laurie Daley during 2016 Blues camp. Getty
The 32-year-old now says he is happy to hand the reins over to the next generation and holds no ill will about missing Daley’s camp.
“If they need me, I will never say no to NSW,” Tedesco told Nine’s Today on Monday.
“They got the job done last year, so as long as they can get the job done and bring that Shield back home then I’m more than happy.
“The squad last year did an unbelievable job, and I’m sure they will do an unbelievable job again.”
Sharks playmaker Nicho Hynes was also snubbed from Daley’s camp and opened up to Wide World of Sports last week about his Origin future.
Tedesco is focused on his job at the Roosters, where the team faces an uphill battle this year after losing superstar players Joseph Suaalii, Joey Manu, Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, as well as Sam Walker and Brandon Smith to long-term knee injuries.
James Tedesco looking dejected. NRL Images
The skipper gave a surprise nod to the club’s closest rivals, South Sydney, when asked who he sees as NRL premiership threats in 2025.
“I think Brisbane will definitely have a stronger year than last year,” he said.
“Their squad is very talented, and having Madge up there applying a bit of discipline, they will be hard to beat.
“It’s pretty hard to go past the standard Penrith and Melbourne… they haven’t lost too many players and they are strong every year.
“I think Souths will be improved this year. Their squad is very talented too, and Wayne Bennett going back there… they are the top teams to beat this year, I reckon.”
The Roosters kick off their season against the Broncos on March 6.
