James Tedesco expects new coach Michael Maguire to switch things up when he picks his first Blues team

Blues skipper James Tedesco accepts new coach Michael Maguire will need to make some changes to the squad this year following back-to-back series defeats, with teams for the series opener to be named next week. Tedesco has led his state in each of the past 11 Origin games, but there’s no guarantee he’ll retain his spot with Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards one of the most consistent players in the world over the past four years. While his form was questioned by some critics last season, the Roosters fullback has been outstanding in 2024 which has coincided with his side scoring the most points after 11 rounds. It’s why it would be a huge shock if he’s dropped for the series opener, with an argument to be made for Tedesco being the state’s greatest Origin servant. “I’m sure there will be (changes). We lost the last two years so changes probably need to be made. We’ll just see what happens,” he said. “For me and most guys, it’s just about putting your best foot forward for your club and then it’s up to Madge and what he decides. Whoever he picks, us as players and fans and the whole state have to back them. “The main focus for me is trying to play good footy and get some wins for the Roosters. “When Origin comes, it’s up to them to make a decision. “I’ve been happy with how I’ve been playing and how the team has been going.” Tedesco’s presence is extra important this year given the Blues have lost key stars Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic to injury which could see Maguire turn to some fresh faces for game one. “Madge has reached out to a lot of the boys to make sure everyone’s on the same page. That’s good for him because there’s a lot going on with a lot of injuries and people in and out, so it’s a busy time for Madge,” Tedesco said. “I think it’s disappointing for the game because you want the best players playing in State of Origin in the toughest game. “The game is so tough at the moment, we’re training hard and the games are fast, so to have superstars of our game go down with injury and not be able to play in the greatest game of Origin is disappointing. “You’ve just got to adapt. Both NSW and Queensland have some great depth in key spots, so whoever gets a chance will do the job.” Depth at halfback has been tested this year with Adam Reynolds ruled out of the series and Mitch Moses next to no chance of playing, with Nicho Hynes the frontrunner to replace Cleary. Hynes had an unhappy debut in game one of last year and was dropped for the rest of the series, but he’s been in fine form and led the Sharks to the top of the table following a thrilling win over Tedesco’s Roosters at Magic Round. “He played really well against us on the weekend, unfortunately. He came back from injury and played really well,” he said. “You look at the options we have in the spine and the halves as well, and some key guys have gone down. There are superstars still waiting to play, so I guess whoever gets picked, we’ll just have to back them, especially for NSW. “Whether you’re a fan or a player, you just have to back whoever Madge decides and hopefully they get the job done.” While Hynes has surged into contention, Cody Walker has become the forgotten man after being named man of the match in game three last year. The Rabbitohs five-eighth had to wait three years for another opportunity for the Blues but hasn’t been mentioned given his club side is last on the ladder. “I’d never turn my back if I get the call from NSW because it’s an absolute honour to put the Blues jersey on over the years,” Walker said. “But my sole focus has to be on Souths. We understand that we’re not travelling too well at the moment, and we also understand that we’re not too far off in games. “So hopefully we continue to work hard at training and the tide will turn. We’re confident of that.”