Analysis: Tedesco played the first game of last year’s series, but the Blues suffered defeat in that game, and then Edwards took his spot for the last two games of the series, with the Blues claiming wins in both of those games, and NSW winning their first series decider at Suncorp Stadium since 2005. Tedesco had a stellar season in 2024 though, finishing second in the Dally M Medal count, while Edwards claimed his fourth straight premiership with the Panthers. Tedesco’s Roosters have struggled so far in 2025, with only one win from their first five games, sitting in 16th position. That may work against Tedesco at the selection table, while Edwards is set to return from a groin injury against the Dolphins, having been named in the Panthers’ team. To be fair, Edwards’ Panthers aren’t setting the world on fire either, also with just one win from five games and in 15th spot. But given Edwards was in the team that won last year’s decider, we’re tipping he’ll get the nod over Tedesco. Latrell Mitchell was a match winner for the Rabbitohs against the Roosters, but he played in the centres against the Chooks and has been named at five-eighth for the game against the Cowboys. Given he isn’t playing fullback for the Bunnies, it’s unlikely new Blues coach Laurie Daley would risk selecting him at fullback for NSW. Tom Trbojevic is currently sidelined with a knee injury and isn’t due back until round nine. But given the Sea Eagles have the bye in round nine, he likely won’t make his return for Manly until their round 10 clash with the Sharks on May 11. That’s less than three weeks before the first game of the series on May 28. Even if everything goes well for Trbojevic upon his return, it’s hard to see him unseating Edwards in the NSW fullback position in such a short space of time.
