Teddy still a chance for Blues

NSW star fullback James Tedesco remains a chance of playing in the State of Origin opener despite battling a knee injury.

In a major boost for the Blues, Tedesco attended an Origin briefing on Monday without a brace on the knee he hurt during the Roosters’ semifinal loss to Canberra.

The reigning Brad Fittler medallist won’t train with the Blues until Friday, but Fittler, the NSW coach, hasn’t lost hope of the gun custodian playing in Game 1 at Adelaide Oval on November 4.

“The good thing is their (the Roosters) medical staff are involved with us, so he is going to be our best indication,” Fittler said.

“He (Tedesco) was walking around without a brace today, so they are all good indications at the moment.

“Until Friday, he can then sort of work with the Roosters physio who used to be part of our staff and then (trainer Travis Touma) also is with the Roosters medical staff.

“So, the communication will be good and hopefully he can get up for game 1.”

The Blues squad travelled to the Central Coast on Monday to commence preparations for this year’s series.

The team will be based at the Pullman Magenta Shores Resort in a biosecurity bubble.

Of the 20 already picked in the 27-man squad, the five players knocked out in the preliminary finals will be given more time out of the bubble before joining.

Luke Keary and Clint Gutherson will also join later, after attending Monday night‘s Dally M Medal.

If Tedesco is ruled out through injury, Fittler is confident with the Blues’ depth.

“We’ve got Ryan Papenhuyzen playing for Melbourne, so I think we’re pretty comfortable with the depth.”