James Tedesco Knocked Out Cold in State of Origin Decider

James Tedesco was knocked out cold in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night.

What happened?

The NSW fullback clashed heads with Queensland's Briton Nikora in an eventful final minute of the first half. Trailing 18-4, Nikora stopped and stared down a dazed Tedesco before playing on and being tackled, triggering an all-in scuffle. Nikora was placed on report for high contact in the ensuing scuffle.

Why it matters for James Tedesco

Tedesco has a history of concussions, suffering seven in three years when he recorded his 10th instance in 2024. The incident forced him to miss the second half of the game, with Tolu Koula replacing him at fullback. "He'll be gone for the game," Andrew Johns said on Nine. "He was out cold."

What comes next?

Despite failing his head injury assessment at half-time, Tedesco was given the chance to return to the game. However, he was eventually replaced by Koula, who was told to "be careful" by coach Laurie Daley. "Well he's pretty excited but he knows he's got a big job because they'll look to target him," Daley said.

The Maroons were also forced into a second-half change of their own on Wednesday night. Reece Walsh was injected when halfback Sam Walker was also sent for a HIA with Category 2 symptoms after slipping into teammate Robert Toia. Walsh made an immediate impact with some threatening runs but missed his first conversion attempt following a Queensland try.

The Blues led 24-8 after Nathan Cleary's conversion. But they copped another blow when debutant Jack Bostock was taken off for a HIA soon after, having hit his head in a heavy fall following an aerial contest. His night was ended by a Category 1 ruling.

Queensland doctors were busy again afterwards when Nikora was taken off for his own HIA. The Maroons earlier dodged a bullet when recalled star Jeremiah Nanai wore a Mitchell Moses kick to the head at close range but did not require an HIA.

The State of Origin decider was played on 18 July 2026, with the NSW Blues ultimately winning the game 24-8.