Tedesco among first to congratulate Edwards on debut

James Tedesco received a call from new NSW coach Michael Maguire about his Origin omission. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Dylan Edwards has revealed James Tedesco was one of the first people to congratulate him on his NSW selection, with the axed fullback reaching out almost immediately.

Edwards lived up to his workmanlike style on Monday after his call-up, knocking back a chauffeur-driven ride into camp as the only Blue to drive himself to the team hotel.

His arrival with his partner and two daughters in the car came hours after NSW coach Michael Maguire defended the shock decision to pick Edwards ahead of Tedesco in the State of Origin side.

While Maguire offered little reason for his momentous decision to omit Tedesco from his first team as Blues coach, he instead argued it was a gut call to reward Edwards' form and work ethic after his part in Penrith's three straight premierships.

In doing so, Maguire made Tedesco the first Kangaroos captain in history to be dropped from an Origin side, ending the fullback's run of 22 straight matches for the Blues.

Maguire said on Monday that Tedesco had taken the news well, but the pair had not discussed whether the Sydney Roosters fullback had an ambition to play again for NSW.

Instead, one of Tedesco's first acts was to make contact with Edwards.

"He sent me a message, in fact he was one of the first blokes to send me one," Edwards said.

"He just said, 'Congratulations, enjoy the week' and that Origin footy is the best.

"That's all class." 

Coach Michael Maguire discusses leaving James Tedesco out of the Blues’ State of Origin side.

Maguire said he had been won over by Edwards' work rate, with one play against Cronulla on Saturday night sealing the deal for the Blues coach.

With Penrith already leading 28-0, Edwards sprinted from one side of the field to the other to deny Daniel Atkinson a 40-20 then beat a defender on his kick return.

The Panthers No.1 then made another 20-metre run later in the set to help Penrith earn a line drop-out, before they scored a minute later in the same attacking raid.

"That solidified my decision that this is where we're going," Maguire said.

"He's a player who's been playing at the highest level, he's played in four grand finals, we all know his stats and he's won three. 

"He's one of the most consistent players I've seen for a long, long time. I just felt from my gut it was the right time to give Dylan the opportunity to play. 

"They're always tough (decisions). I have huge respect for all the players. 

"But my job is about making decisions for what I believe is going to take the team to success."

Edwards
Dylan Edwards' great form for Penrith earned him the Origin nod

Edwards is hopeful his deep grand final experience will help him cope with the pressure of Origin football.

"We'll have to wait and see (if I'm ready)," he said. 

"But we've played in quite a few big games at club land, so it puts you in good stead for this arena I'm pretty sure."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store