NSW Blues fullback James Tedesco knows his nose might be targeted in the thick of battle with the Queensland Maroons next Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.
He’s been nursing the tender appendage recently since an errant elbow broke it during the win over the Sharks and then it got bumped and scratched again in the win over the Broncos.
Tedesco has the black eyes to prove it and is back to wearing the nasal strips at night that many athletes wear to widen the nostrils for better air flow.
“I’ve been wearing strips for a while because I’ve broken it before and I’ve had some nasal issues,” Tedesco said.
“But since this latest break I’m wearing strips at night and that helps with breathing.
“There’s not much else you can do unless you get surgery and that’s something for post-career.
“I used some ice at first for the swelling and it’s gone down a lot although it’s still big. Another week and I think it will be sweet.”
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The two-time Dally M Medal winner, who’s about to play his 26th Origin match says he’s not much of a cosmetically-minded soul.
So he’s not too fussed about having surgeons try to straighten his wayward nose.
“I’m married with kids now so I don’t have to impress anyone," he smiled.
What he has plenty of time for is the daily meals his wife, Maria, prepares using all the skills acquired from a family that’s been involved in the café-hospitality business all their lives.
Maroons v Blues: Game 3
“It’s huge. She loves cooking; she loves food; she’s got a Greek background,” Tedesco said.
“I’m very grateful because I didn’t know how to cook before I met her. I was hopeless. I was doing take-away and Uber eats.
“My diet now has helped in my longevity for sure by putting that good food in my body regularly.
“I’m very lucky she enjoys cooking and she’s juggling two kids while doing it.”
Tedesco will be relying not only on that Mediterranean diet but his teammates as well as they try to pull the 2026 Origin series from the fire.
Next Wednesday will be Tedesco’s fifth decider but he’s only won one (2019) having lost Game Three in 2017, 2020 and 2022.
Dylan Edwards was the Blues' fullback in 2024 when Michael Maguire's team stormed Suncorp Stadium to win the decider 14-4.
Maroons v Blues – Game 3, 2024
“It’s a great opportunity because it’s backs against the wall sort of stuff with the whole crowd cheering for Queensland,” Tedesco said.
“But we have a lot of experience here with guys who have played in big games numerous times.
“I don’t think we’ll be overawed by the occasion, but it’s important we stay connected because it won’t be individuals that get the win it will be the whole team.”
Don't miss a minute of the action when Queensland and NSW collide in an epic State of Origin decider. Live on Channel 9, 9Now and Watch NRL, Wednesday July 8.
