Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.<\/p>\n
James Tedesco has no plans to turn his back on the NSW captaincy and State of Origin, insisting representative retirement is not an option and his body is capable of another gruelling series.<\/p>\n
On the eve of his sixth straight finals campaign with the Roosters, Tedesco has opened up about his ambition to continue leading the Blues despite criticism over his performances in NSW\u2019s second straight series loss.<\/p>\n
Coach Brad Fittler kept faith with the 30-year-old for game three this year, and Tedesco starred as the Blues salvaged some pride and avoided a rare clean sweep.<\/p>\n
Asked whether he wanted to continue playing at Origin level, Tedesco said: \u201cDefinitely.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not getting old where my body can\u2019t take it anymore. I\u2019ve played a lot of games this year and my body is still feeling good. I want to keep playing well and keep getting those opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
While NSW have an abundance of options at fullback with Penrith\u2019s Dylan Edwards, Manly\u2019s Tom Trbojevic and South Sydney\u2019s Latrell Mitchell capable of filling the No.1, Tedesco will also have to ward off the threat of Queensland\u2019s Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga for the Australian jersey.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
James Tedesco wants to play on for the Blues.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n The Kangaroos are due to play an end-of-season tournament against World Cup finalists Samoa and New Zealand.<\/p>\n But the former Dally M Medallist insists he can keep justifying his position at representative level, which will be helped if the Roosters can shine in this year\u2019s finals series.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think I was that bad [during the Origin series], but I wasn\u2019t at my best,\u201d he said. \u201cEven though I haven\u2019t been at my absolute best, it\u2019s been better [recently].<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re winning games. My confidence is always high, but it can get degrading when you\u2019re not playing your best, and you\u2019re not getting results and people are criticising you.<\/p>\n \u201cI always hold myself to high standards. I\u2019m constantly thinking what I can do to get back to my best, what changes can I make on and off the field, and it\u2019s easy to stay in the same routine and mindset because I\u2019ve done it for so long.<\/p>\n \u201cBut when it becomes stale, you\u2019ve got to make some changes.\u201d<\/p>\n The Roosters have won five straight games to sneak into the finals and face a daunting elimination clash against the Sharks at PointsBet Stadium, which will only hold about 13,000 fans due to the ongoing redevelopment of the adjoining leagues club.<\/p>\n If the Roosters can make a deep run in the finals it might give Tedesco a few nervous moments with his wife, Maria, pregnant with their first daughter. Her due date is in grand final week.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully [we qualify and the baby] comes at the start of the week, and then it will be one of the best weeks ever,\u201d Tedesco said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to it. I\u2019m 30 now and I\u2019m at a good age. I\u2019m really settled, my wife and I both can\u2019t wait. She\u2019s going to be a great mum and I can\u2019t wait to be a dad.\u201d<\/p>\n Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on <\/b>9Now<\/b>. <\/b><\/p>\n Sports news, results and expert commentary. <\/i><\/b>Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nMost Viewed in Sport<\/h2>\n
From our partners<\/h3>\n