Dylan Edwards has revealed James Tedesco was one of the first people to congratulate him on his NSW selection,

with the axed fullback reaching out almost immediately.

Edwards lived up to his workmanlike style on Monday after his call-up, knocking back a chauffeur-driven ride

into camp as the only Blue to drive himself to the team hotel.

His arrival with his partner and two daughters in the car came hours after

NSW coach Michael Maguire defended the shock decision to pick Edwards

ahead of Tedesco in the State of Origin side.

While Maguire offered little reason for his momentous decision to omit Tedesco

from his first team as Blues coach, he instead argued it was a gut call to reward

Edwards’ form and work ethic after his part in Penrith’s three straight premierships.