He played a starring role in NSW's historic win over Queensland in Brisbane to wrap up this year's State of Origin series, and Brad Fittler believes there's no one in the game like James Tedesco.
The NSW skipper was again superb on the Origin stage as he steered the Blues to a dominant 26-0 win at Suncorp Stadium - the first time in Origin history the Maroons have been held scoreless on their home ground.
Tedesco may not have scored a try himself but he was in everything for the Blues, claiming a game-high 206 metres from 23 runs, setting up two tries and making four offloads.
Fittler says the 2019 Wally Lewis Medallist has taken the fullback position to a whole new level.
"No one else plays like Teddy at the moment," Fittler said.
"He just plays like no other fullback's ever played before. Just making his own path.
"We've come out of an era where everyone sort of played like Billy (Slater).
"He was an incredible player Billy, and Teddy's just sort of doing it a little bit different and I like watching it.
"To be able to do it under pressure. In big games, making big plays: that's why he's our captain."
Latrell Mitchell, himself hugely influential in a stunning first half, was delighted for his former Sydney Roosters teammate.
"Teddy is an unbelievable workhorse," Mitchell said.
"His work ethic and the way he takes on games and obviously taking on that leadership. It's taken him to another level."
