Blues seal Origin series

SYDNEY: James Tedesco elevated his name into elite company by leading New South Wales to a State of Origin series win for the first time in his illustrious career.
Tedesco had hoped to lift the series shield for the Blues last year but was knocked out in the decider when he fell into Josh Papalii’s knee and Queensland mounted a shock victory to snatch the trophy.
But the star fullback wasn’t about to let another series slip away on his watch, leading a dynamic back-five combination that again destroyed the Maroons in the 26-0 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
The Blues back five ran for a combined 928 metres in Origin I in Townsville and the likes of Brian To’o, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic and Josh Addo-Carr were again the leading stars as they produced another heroic effort of 897 metres.
Addo-Carr bagged a double while centres Trbojevic and Mitchell also scored tries as the Blues won the game with their stunning attack and held the Maroons scoreless with their desperate defence.
Tedesco was absolutely everywhere and franked his Origin I outing of 212m for nine tackle breaks with another freakish performance at Suncorp Stadium to finish with 234 metres, 10 tackle breaks and two try assists.
He had come into the series under fire from within his own state, with some experts in Sydney questioning if Trbojevic should be handed the No.1 jersey such was his hot form for Manly in the NRL.
But Tedesco answered the critics in emphatic style and while Trbojevic and Mitchell were standout stars in each game, few could ignore the influence of the skipper.
Tedesco can now put his name alongside the likes of Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Laurie Daley, Paul Gallen and Boyd Cordner as NSW captains to lead the Blues to a series victory. – NRL