Tedesco sympathises with Cleary, Flanagan as knee put to the test
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James Tedesco is confident both Nathan Cleary and Kyle Flanagan will recover from setbacks as the NSW fullback pushes to overcome his own concerns ahead of Origin I.
Tedesco hit the training paddock in Wyong on Tuesday for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the Roosters' finals loss to the Raiders on October 9.
While remaining confident he'll be available for Brad Fittler in eight days' time in for game one of the Ampol State of Origin series, attention quickly turned to Cleary's grand final performance and Flanagan's exit from the Roosters.
Tedesco could sympathise with Cleary, who took personal responsibility for the Panthers' grand final defeat on Sunday.
"I haven't [spoken to him] but I really felt for him," Tedesco said.
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"He shouldn't be too hard on himself but I think the way he developed and took Penrith to the grand final, he pretty much carried them there.
"He'll obviously be really disappointed but I'm keen to get him in and talk to him and catch up with him.
"He was their best player all year and it was disappointing how it went down, but he's a young kid and I'm sure he'll get into camp and get around the boys and be ready to go."
Tedesco also felt for Flanagan, who messaged the Roosters playing squad on Monday to confirm he would take up a three-year offer with Canterbury from next season, just 12 months after joining the club.
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"I think a lot of young halves go through it," Tedesco said.
"It's obviously tough to mature at that age and be a halfback and run your team but he's got a long career ahead of him though so he'll be fine.
"I think it's a great opportunity for him at the Dogs, they need a half and he can be the main guy there and steer that team around.
"He's obviously got another great opportunity so he can take control over there and build a good career."
Tedesco will ramp up his training ahead of next Wednesday's opening game and expects the Blues to go through nearly their entire 27-man squad across the three matches.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Ryan Papenhuyzen and Clint Gutherson are among the candidates to replace Tedesco should he not get through the series.
"Either of those guys could do a good job for us, they've both had really good years," Tedesco said.
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"Paps killed it at the back end of the year he had a really good year and obviously during the semis and in the grand final he was their best player.
"I spent a bit of time with him at the Tigers so it will be good for him to come in, talk about footy and try and teach him a few things as well.
"I want to get a bit more done on Thursday and then on Saturday is a pretty big session so I want to get through most of that with the team and make sure it feels good.
"If it doesn't pull up too well then I'll make a call then. But I'm pretty confident I can get it all."
