James Tedesco's State of Origin exile is officially over, with the Sydney Roosters captain reclaiming the NSW fullback jersey from Dylan Edwards for the 2025 series opener. The 33-year-old, who is the most-capped fullback in Blues history, has been selected in the No.1 jersey for the May 27 clash at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Selection Dilemma Resolved
Blues coach Laurie Daley faced a difficult decision between Tedesco and Edwards, who started all three games of last year's losing series. However, Tedesco's outstanding form for the Roosters this season—scoring six tries and providing eight try assists in 10 games—proved too compelling to overlook.
Game One will mark Tedesco's 24th appearance for NSW and his first since the opening match of the 2024 series.
Debutants and Returning Stars
The squad includes six debutants: Manly flyer Tolu Koula, Roosters lock Victor Radley, and Cronulla duo Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey. Fonua-Blake and Radley previously represented New Zealand and England in Test football, but changes to eligibility rules during the off-season have cleared them to make their Origin debuts.
Koula has been named on the wing alongside Brian To'o, with Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton selected in the centres. The pair will aim to fill the gap left by South Sydney's Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew due to a lingering back injury.
Uncapped players Ethan Strange (Canberra) and Casey McLean (Penrith) have been named on the bench alongside Radley, Cameron Murray, and recalled forward Jacob Saifiti.
Halves and Hooker
The rest of the NSW side is as expected, with Nathan Cleary partnering Mitchell Moses in the halves and Reece Robson at hooker. Isaah Yeo will captain the side.
NSW Squad for Game One: James Tedesco, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Reece Robson, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau'atu, Isaah Yeo (c). Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey, Ethan Strange, Casey McLean. Reserve: Dylan Lucas.
