Qld to blunt Tedesco threat

Queensland believe NSW will field their best attacking line-up yet but are determined to blunt the threat of rookie Blues fullback James Tedesco.

Maroons assistant Anthony Seibold said halfback Cooper Cronk wanted to exploit swirling winds and target Tedesco and winger Josh Mansour with his kicking game at Wednesday’s State of Origin III at ANZ Stadium.

“Tedesco is a terrific club player but this is the next level up – he will have plenty of kicks in his direction,” Seibold said.

“We want to test Tedesco out and Josh Mansour.

“We did a good job on (former fullback Matt) Moylan in the first two games because we were physical with our kick chase.

“Now we need to be physical with them.”

Seibold said the injection of Tedesco along with Moylan, Jack Bird and Mansour had made the game three NSW side their most dangerous of the series.

“They have transitioned some good young players,” he said.

“We think it will be the toughest game defensively.

“It’s their best attacking side. They will ask plenty of questions.”

Seibold said Queensland were wary of NSW wanting to send retiring skipper Paul Gallen out a winner.

But they were also determined to celebrate milestones of their own.

“Only four Queensland teams have won 3-0 and we have some milestones with GI (Greg Inglis) playing his 30th, (Gavin) Cooper’s first and (Corey) Parker’s retirement,” he said.

“There is plenty of motivation.”

Seibold said Queensland wanted to secure a rare whitewash to ensure NSW do not gain any momentum for next year.

“We don’t want to give them anything tonight,” he said.

“We want to win 3-0.

“There has been no let up at training. We don’t want to give them a leg up.”

Veteran lock Parker was the focus of a special presentation at the Queensland team hotel on Tuesday night ahead of his 19th and final Origin.

“It was quite emotional,” Seibold said.

“He’s been an outstanding professional, a very good leader.

“He will leave a lasting legacy. The guys will miss him.”

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