A Heroic Comeback and a Lesson in Resilience
James Tedesco has always been known for his determination, but his recent performance in the State of Origin series proved just how much he can inspire others. After being dropped from the team two years ago, the 33-year-old fullback made a remarkable return, showing that even in the toughest moments, perseverance can lead to success.
Tedesco’s journey back to the Origin side wasn’t easy. At one point, many believed his career was over, especially after his replacement, Dylan Edwards, suffered an injury. However, Tedesco’s resilience shone through as he continued to perform at a high level with the Roosters. His efforts paid off when he was recalled to Laurie Daley’s squad, proving that hard work and consistency can change the course of a career.
The Power of Belief
In the aftermath of the game, Tedesco reflected on his journey and the importance of staying positive. “I still had a bit of hope,” he said. “I knew I was playing good footy at club level. In both 2014 and 2015 when I wasn’t playing Origin, I was playing some of my best footy so I knew if I kept doing that then there may have been a chance.”
He also emphasized the value of enjoying the game, even when not in the spotlight. “When I wasn’t in here, I was content with not being here and I could just enjoy the game. But when I’ve been back in camp now, being around the best players in the game and talking footy, it really made me realise how much I miss these camps and miss this arena.”
A Moment That Defined the Game
The moment that truly defined the game came when Tedesco scored the winning try. With rain pouring down and the Blues trailing 20-0, he leapt highest to catch a Nathan Cleary bomb. The ball seemed to avoid Selwyn Cobbo’s fingers, allowing Tedesco to reclaim it and send the stadium into raptures.
“I knew I got it on the juggle down,” he said. “I didn’t know if they were going to look at the contest and what happened there, but we were competing for the ball and it was a bit of luck to land in my lap. I was stoked.”
This moment reminded him of his 2019 performance, where he scored the winning try in the Origin decider and later in the grand final. “That feeling of scoring that try and then being around the boys definitely felt similar back to 2019.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Tedesco also expressed his hope that kids at school will be inspired by his performance. “I’m just thinking about the kids tomorrow at school, they’ll probably be trying to put bombs up and trying to jump and catch and score the match winner. That’s what I remember as a kid watching Origin, so that’s pretty cool to think about.”
Overcoming Mistakes
Despite the triumphant finish, the game wasn’t without its challenges. Earlier in the match, Tedesco threw a terrible pass to Haumole Olakau’atu, who dropped it around his bootlaces. However, instead of dwelling on the mistake, Tedesco focused on the next play, following the team’s motto: “stay present.”
“I should’ve just run,” he said with a wry smile. “It was a terrible pass, but our theme’s been ‘stay present.’ I could’ve dwelled on that and gone out of the game, but I took it upon myself to get onto the next job and sort of flush that a bit.”
A Team Effort
Olakau’atu, despite the mistake, remained supportive of Tedesco. “Although it was a bad pass, it’s still something I need to execute and that’s bad,” he said. “That’s my bad from my end, and I should have caught that. But I’m just glad he got that try and got the win for us tonight.”
He added, “The moment I saw him chasing the ball, I just knew something special was going to happen. He just ended up with the ball and managed to get over the line and get the team up and I’m just happy to get the win.”
Looking Ahead
Tedesco is set to play for the Roosters against the Storm on Saturday, while Olakau’atu faces uncertainty due to cramps. Despite the challenges, the team’s spirit and determination shine through, proving that in sports, anything is possible.
