Mal Meninga has been stunned by criticism of James Tedesco from people in NSW, declaring the Blues fullback would still be the first player picked for Australia as well as captain.
The Kangaroos coach also said the heavy Penrith influence in NSW’s attack may not have suited Tedesco, who had no such issues with a simple game plan adopted by the World Cup-winning Australians late last year.
Tedesco’s form in the Blues’ 26-18 Origin I defeat on Wednesday night was one of the big talking points after the game, with some commentators suggesting Latrell Mitchell would be a better No.1 option for the must-win game two at Suncorp Stadium.
Meninga, who won nine of 10 series as Origin coach after a stellar career as a player, is a proud Queenslander – he famously described people south of the border trying to derail that Maroons dynasty as “rats and filth” – but was just as passionate in defending Tedesco, who he works with closely on the international stage.
Blues coach Brad Fittler said before the series he was often disappointed by how quickly NSW fans turned on their team. Meninga said there was no way Queensland supporters would do so.
“No way. It’s emotional bullshit,” Meninga said. “I actually thought Teddy’s effort levels were fantastic the other night – he tried his heart out.
Fall guy: James Tedesco struggled to find his feet in this year’s Origin series opener.Credit: Getty
“Because he got held up over the try line and was outjumped by [Lindsay Collins], some people think all of a sudden he isn’t playing well. It’s ridiculous.
“I know emotion gets involved, and people look for reasons why NSW lost the game. What about Queensland’s defence being exceptional? They didn’t give them too many opportunities.
Australia coach Mal Meninga.Credit: NRL Photos
“If there was a Test this weekend, Teddy would be our captain and fullback.”
Meninga said the Kangaroos focused their attack through the middle at the World Cup, and then looked to their backs to chime in at the back of sets.
“There’s been a lot of talk about NSW and the Penrith way of playing,” Meninga said. “Penrith move the ball around really well and move the ball early. The ball moves away from the middle a bit, which takes Teddy out of it a bit and means he goes chasing the ball.
“Teddy always tries to get a feel for the game. He would have felt the energy levels were down in his team and he tried to lift those levels; he’s the captain and takes it upon himself to make a difference.”
Penrith great Ryan Girdler said on Triple M the day after the Adelaide loss that Tedesco’s involvement was, at times, more a hindrance than help for Panthers halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.
“He’s the captain and played 20 Origins, and he’s our leader – I understand all of that – but I just think in crucial moments they get in each other’s way; it’s not clear who needs the ball and whoever does need the ball, where it needs to go to,” Girdler said.
One left-field suggestion is to swap Mitchell and Tedesco in the final 15 minutes in game two in a bid to help Mitchell, through his sheer physicality, blow the game wide open.
Tedesco, 30, told this masthead in Adelaide he faced the most challenging time of his career, with the Blues needing to save the series and the Sydney Roosters spluttering on the NRL ladder.
The Kangaroos are due to face New Zealand and Samoa at the end of the year, most likely in New Zealand, with Tedesco to be a part of Meninga’s plans for years to come.
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