New Blues coach Michael Maguire has refused to guarantee incumbent skipper and fullback James Tedesco a place in his NSW side for the 2024 State of Origin series.
Maguire refuses to be drawn on incumbency and is holding form paramount as he looks to end Queensland’s dominance after three series wins over the Blues in the last four series.
“I respect all those boys that have been in the past, but I’m telling everyone to look forward, we’ve got to move forward,” Maguire said.
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“I know that he’s had a very good pre-season, and no doubt like any champion player, he’s still a champion player. I’m looking forward to seeing Teddy play some really good footy.
“At the moment I’m not going to make any statements around the team, I said that when I first arrived.
“I want to let the players go and play and then from there we’ll work out which way we want to go.”
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Maguire believes form in the NRL will help the Blues create a winning environment at Origin level with competition for spots.
“I want players who are in really good form, not a lot of noise around what’s going on, allowing them to be at their best,” he said.
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“I definitely am looking at form right now, for sure. History is one thing but I’m looking forward, we want to create (history) too.
“When you’re in really good form… you take that into the arena, and it breeds around the group, it builds a lot of confidence and belief.
“I want the NSW players to be the best within their teams, so they’re coming into this arena at their best.”
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