Blues look to the present as veteran James Tedesco creates a night to remember

Queensland were unable to secure a clean sweep in the Sydney dead rubber to leave uncertainty over the future of this NSW set-up

One after the other James Tedesco’s teammates came up to embrace him. First a gleeful Mitch Moses lifted the Blues’ number one off the turf. Then bruising prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard swallowed the diminutive captain in his arms. Immediately, the remainder passed through, part out of respect for a leader under siege, part delight for their friend.

Tedesco had just sealed game three of the 2023 State of Origin series with a customary – if unlikely – try assist for debutant Bradman Best, just as Wednesday night’s contest clattered towards a conclusion. Continuing his form from the preceding two matches, all night he had looked more cabbage-patch doll than Teddy. Getting bowled over by Divid Fifita for the Maroons’ first try. Beaten comprehensively by a Murray Taulagi step in the second half. And unable to make the most of several half-breaks.