James Tedesco is set to play fullback for NSW in the State of Origin series opener only days after being ousted by Dylan Edwards, who has since injured his left quadriceps. AAP has been told Edwards will remain with the Blues but that former Blues captain Tedesco will join the squad in Sydney instead of playing for the Sydney Roosters against North Queensland on Sunday.
“The NSWRL would like to acknowledge the Sydney Roosters for the cooperation and understanding they have provided throughout the process,” the NSWRL said in a statement. New skipper Jake Trbojevic looks set to retain the Blues captaincy despite Tedesco’s return. The Roosters switched Joey Manu to fullback on their team sheet for the clash against the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium, with centre Michael Jennings coming into the centres after being named 18th man the day before kick-off.