Blues' middle ready to seize the moment

Having torn Queensland apart in State of Origin I, James Tedesco and Damien Cook are not fazed by the Maroons' efforts to shut them down in game two.

James Tedesco of the Blues.

James Tedesco says he's not fazed by Queensland's efforts to tighten up the middle for game two. (AAP)

NSW's attacking middle are ready to seize the moment and take whatever limited chances Queensland offer them in State of Origin II at ANZ Stadium.

The Blues' attacking prowess up the centre was the difference in the series opener, as fullback James Tedesco and hooker Damien Cook played the games of their lives in the 22-12 win.

But Queensland have shown time and time again throughout their 12-year reign that they are quick learners.

Never was that clearer than last year when Andrew Fifita ran 50 more metres in game one than he did in the following two games combined.

And the pair are aware the Maroons won't present them with as many chances as they try to win just their second series in 12 years.

"I don't think those opportunities will be as big as they were in game one," Tedesco admitted.

"Obviously, they will tighten up their defence in the middle and know that's where we're coming.

"With (Billy) Slater coming back and other players coming in, obviously they must win so it's a big game for us."

Not that he is concerned.

After he broke through 13 tackles in the series opener, Tedesco spoke about the importance of backing himself more than in previous Origin encounters.

And with that in mind, he's not concerned about the Maroons' efforts to try to shut him down.

"I'm not worried or thinking about who I'm coming up against," he said.

"It's more my personal preparation, I was really happy with how I prepared for game one and I'm doing the same for game two.

"I think we can't worry about Queensland too much."

Cook is also undeterred, as his rapid rise in 2018 continues.

Both Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns have hammered home the importance of Cook picking his moment to run for the Blues, something that has been his focus all year.

"I've got to adapt to the game," he said.

"I've probably been guilty in the past of trying to overplay things.

"If a play isn't on, you can't just run for the sake of it. You've got to earn the right to go forward.

"We've got to win the ruck and, if we win the ruck in both defence and attack, then you're a good chance of winning the game."

The pair's mentality is symbolic of the entire Blues' squad. NSW are the clearest favourites they've been with the TAB since 1998 - as they seek just their second series since 2006.

They had their final full field session on Thursday - with James Maloney (glute) and Latrell Mitchell (neck) both back in full contact - before Saturday's light captain's run.


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Blues' middle ready to seize the moment | SBS News