- Edwards replaced James Tedesco at fullback
- The Roosters star is now on hold
- The Penrith star has until Sunday to prove his fitness
Penrith Panthers star fullback Dylan Edwards is doubtful for the State of Origin opener at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Wednesday after suffering quadriceps tightness.
Edwards was a surprise inclusion after a run of form that included three consecutive premierships with the Panthers, displacing current fullback and captain James Tedesco.
Tedesco is now waiting for Edwards, who will have until Sunday to show improvement with the injury.
News Corp journalist Brent Read and former NRL star Wade Graham discussed the development on radio station Triple M today.
“If Teddy has been placed on hold, that would suggest that it is quite significant and that they have genuine concerns about Dylan Edwards and his ability to play on Wednesday night,” Read said.
‘It’s devastating for Edwards. He gets drafted, he’s worked really hard and he’s been one of the best players in the competition for the last three or four years and he bounces back, even if it’s just a little hiccup and he still manages to make it to the game, it’s disrupting his preparation. … it’s just not what you want after being on top of the world,” Graham said.
Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is doubtful for State of Origin I after suffering a quadriceps complaint in training.
Dumped Blues captain James Tedesco expected to replace Edwards at Origin I
The Blues do not believe the Penrith full-back’s injury is serious.
But with the first match fast approaching, coach Michael Maguire and his support staff will make a decision on the fitness of the would-be NSW debutant on Sunday morning.
After dividing opinion with his decision to release first-choice captain Tedesco, Maguire contacted Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson on Saturday to assess the fullback’s availability.
NSW has no choice but to call up a last-minute replacement if Edwards succumbs to his injury, given there is no other specialist full-back in the expanded squad, and Tedesco has told the Blues he can be available if required.
As things stand, Tedesco is expected to play for the Roosters in their Round 13 clash against North Queensland, but could instead be brought into the Blues camp just hours before Sunday’s kick-off at Allianz Stadium.
Edwards was able to complete the Blues’ training session on Saturday, but later reported tightness in his quadriceps.
It is still unknown if Tedesco will be available to play for the Roosters against the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday.
Robinson was in front of the press on Saturday morning, just hours before Edwards’ injury scare in training, and addressed Tedesco’s sacking for the first time.
He said he was “obviously” surprised the 22-time NSW representative had been passed over for selection for the first time since making his debut in game three of the 2016 series.
“You hope (Tedesco) gets back there again,” he said.
But also one of the most outstanding players in the competition was Dylan Edwards.
‘You can’t make a bad decision there. It’s really hard when you care about a guy and he’s been in great shape.
‘He hasn’t done anything to lose his shirt, but I know he feels the same way too; Dylan Edwards is an exceptional player. I know he wishes her the best.
Robinson said both Edwards and Tedesco had been in good shape to play against Origin, a point he felt had been overlooked in the selection debate.
“A lot of people see it as black and white, good and bad, one of them played well and the other didn’t,” he said.
“(But) they have both been among the top three or four players in the competition to start the year. I imagine it was a difficult choice.
The Roosters confirmed to AAP that five-eighth Luke Keary would play against the Cowboys after being released from his duties as NSW’s 19th man. He will rejoin the Blues after that game.
