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Scott Bailey

James Tedesco scoops NSW Origin awards

James Tedesco has won the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW's best player during the State of Origin series. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

James Tedesco has regained his status as NSW's premier player, entering rare air as a three-time winner of the Brad Fittler Medal in scooping the state's awards night.

On a historic night for the Blues captain, Tedesco claimed the Brad Fittler Medal, the True Blue Award for embodying the state's spirit and the fans' choice award.

In doing so, he joins Jarryd Hayne as the only three-time winner of the award since it was introduced in 2006.

Fellow Sydney Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly was named the women's player of the year, while Newcastle's Caitlan Johnston won the Sky Blues Award.

Kelly becomes the first woman to go back-to-back as she joins Simaima Taufa as a three-time winner of the state's highest honour.

Tedesco had previously won the award after NSW's State of Origin successes in 2018 and 2019, and was brilliant in a losing side this year.

A clear standout for the Blues, he scored just one try across the series but bust through 16 tackles and averaged 245 metres a game.

He was also the most consistent player in the Blues' team, as one of NSW's best in their unsuccessful decider at Suncorp Stadium as well as the series opener in Sydney.

Tedesco's award comes a day after he was ruled out of the Roosters' season-ending defeat to South Sydney, suffering a concussion after a 18th minute hit from Tom Burgess.

Penrith's seven State of Origin players were unable to be attend, with the Panthers holding their own club awards night on Monday night.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo were also notable absentees, as the feud between the league and NSWRL continues.

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