All eyes are on fullback James Tedesco ahead of State of Origin after he was seen with his knee strapped and running straight lines at the Blues training on Tuesday morning.
Tedesco suffered a grade-two medial ligament strain in the Roosters' semi-final against the Raiders and now has one week to secure his No.1 jumper for the NSW Blues.
โI just had to get it moving today with straight-line running, and it felt really stable and strong,โโ Tedescoย told the Sydney Morning Herald.
โOn Thursday there will be more volume and getting the legs ticking over at a higher pace and longer distance. Then Saturday will be getting into the team stuff, lateral movement and side stepping.
โSo Iโd say Saturday will be the big test. Iโm feeling good in my head and Iโm confident.โโ
Clint Gutherson and Ryan Papenhuyzen are the top two considered for the role if Tedesco had to sit out the opening game.
If Gutherson, the Dally M runner-up, is thrown in the centres however, Papenhuyzen will get his shot down back replacing Tedesco.
All tough calls for coach Brad Fittler but Tedesco is more than confident there wont be any issues.
James Tedesco gives us an update on his injury and tells us if he is confident of playing the first game. pic.twitter.com/pzZyCRGShg
— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) October 23, 2020
NRL: James Tedesco | State Of Origin Moments | NRL https://t.co/oLlGY7v3pW
— Bondi Beat๐๏ธ (@BondiBeat) October 24, 2020
James Tedesco moving freely at Blues training with left knee lightly strapped. Full squad taking part other than Panthers and Storm players #Origin
— Chris Kennedy (@CKennedy80) October 27, 2020
Easy choice.
If Tedesco is out the Dally M fullback of the year (and rightful Dally M player of the year) deserves the spot.