NSW captain James Tedesco won't be dropped for Game II of State of Origin according to coach Brad Fittler as leading voices in the game slammed calls for the Roosters star to be axed.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald's Danny Weidler, Fittler reiterated his commitment to the under fire fullback following a night to forget in the Adelaide opener.
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"James Tedesco is our captain … not for a moment will I consider dropping him," Fittler said. "It's not part of the thought process. He is not the reason we lost. I can't understand the commentary saying he should be dropped. He is one of the best players to play for NSW. If he is fit, he will be in the side and he will be captain."
Fitter's endorsement was just one of many after the No.1's disastrous night in Game I. Roosters boss Nick Politis took aim at NSW fans who want to see Tedesco gone.
"Anyone who thinks dropping Teddy is a good idea has rocks in their head," the Roosters chairman said.
"He has been an absolute superstar for the Blues and he has dominated. At club level, he has been the best player in the game over a five-year period. You think about what he has done for this club, it's remarkable. To dump him after one game that was not his very best game and say they should sack him is just stupid."
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga was also stunned by the criticism levelled at Tedesco from people in NSW, declaring the Blues fullback would still be the first player picked for Australia as well as captain.
Meninga believes Tedesco might have been a victim of a heavy Penrith presence in the backline, which may not have suited the Roosters fullback.
The Kangaroos coach hit out at NSW fans for their lack of loyalty, saying Queensland fans would not do so.
"No way. It's emotional bullshit," Meninga said. "I actually thought Teddy's effort levels were fantastic the other night – he tried his heart out.
"Because he got held up over the try line and was outjumped by [Lindsay Collins], some people think all of a sudden he isn't playing well. It's ridiculous.
"I know emotion gets involved, and people look for reasons why NSW lost the game. What about Queensland's defence being exceptional? They didn't give them too many opportunities.
"If there was a Test this weekend, Teddy would be our captain and fullback.
"There's been a lot of talk about NSW and the Penrith way of playing," Meninga added. "Penrith move the ball around really well and move the ball early. The ball moves away from the middle a bit, which takes Teddy out of it a bit and means he goes chasing the ball.
"Teddy always tries to get a feel for the game. He would have felt the energy levels were down in his team and he tried to lift those levels; he's the captain and takes it upon himself to make a difference."
Penrith great Ryan Girdler said on Triple M the day after the Adelaide loss that Tedesco's involvement was, at times, more a hindrance than help for Panthers halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.
"He's the captain and played 20 Origins, and he's our leader – I understand all of that – but I just think in crucial moments they get in each other's way; it's not clear who needs the ball and whoever does need the ball, where it needs to go to," Girdler said.
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