Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Tedesco changes Brisbane tune for Blues

Mitchell Pearce probably won't remember it but both he and James Tedesco have exorcised Brisbane demons in State of Origin I.

Mitchell Pearce with team mates

Brisbane redemption has been a long time coming at State of Origin level for Mitchell Pearce. (AAP)

Brisbane redemption has been a long time coming at State of Origin level for Mitchell Pearce.

For NSW teammate James Tedesco, it was just a fortnight.

Tedesco, who endured a miserable night at Suncorp Stadium earlier this month when the Wests Tigers were thrashed by Brisbane, delivered the game-breaking moment in Wednesday's Origin opener.

A set after Pearce, who had delivered probably his best game at Origin level, had been taken off concussed following a collision with Queensland centre Will Chambers' shoulder, Tedesco's first try for the Blues blew the game open.

The fullback's clever dummy-half run included a step past Maroons' debutant Anthony Milford, before eluding Michael Morgan and Sam Thaiday to open up a two-try lead which the Blues then used to romp away to victory.

Tedesco's try was a fitting moment for a player who had been terrorising the Maroons with almost every carry before that moment.

The 24-year-old had racked up almost 150 metres by halftime, every run coming at a speed Queensland found terrifying and near impossible to handle.

Whisper it quietly but the Blues' No.1 is also unbeaten in his two-game Origin career - a stat few NSW players can boast in the past decade of Maroons' dominance.


2 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.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world