Westpac NSW Blues captain James Tedesco will be honoured during this year’s Ampol State of Origin Series by having the local pub in his hometown of Camden rebranded ‘The Tedesco Inn’.
NSWRL’s partner Tooheys will transform the ‘Plough and Harrow’ hotel into ‘The Tedesco Inn’ from Wednesday 31 May at 10am – the opening game of the 2023 Origin campaign – until after the final whistle is blown to end Game Three on Wednesday 12 July.
During the State of Origin period Tooheys will also donate 50 cents to the Camden Rams, Tedesco’s junior Rugby League club, for every schooner of Tooheys sold at ‘The Tedesco Inn’.
The pub will be a gathering place for Blues supporters to unite, cheer on NSW, and enjoy a cold Tooheys New with each other. Another treat will be the pub’s bistro featuring a ‘Teddy Parmigiana’ dish on its menu.
“I’m stoked that Tooheys has created this space for fans to come together to watch the State of Origin games this year,” Tedesco said.
“It has given me the chance to reflect on all the footy teams in my life, and how valuable the teamwork in Rugby League and my community has been, in helping me get to where I am today in my sporting career. And for that, I’m so thankful.
“Seeing ‘The Tedesco Inn’ will be an honour. I can't wait to see it packed with Blues fans cheering us on.”
NSWRL Chief Commercial Officer Jodie Cross said: “This is a wonderful initiative of one of our commercial partners paying homage to the grassroots community that has been such a huge part of Teddy’s career.
“It is a great opportunity for Teddy to be able to make his Camden community to really feel a part of this special period in his footy season and to show his thanks to all who have supported him.”
Chris Allan, Lion Marketing Director of Core Beer, said that ‘The Tedesco Inn’ was a proud moment for the Tooheys brand.
“The State of Origin is a sporting event that brings Australians together, but is also the best display of how teamwork can create greatness,” he said.
Russ Lowe, the publican at ‘The Plough and Harrow’ said: “When Tooheys asked me if I would be open to hosting ‘The Tedesco Inn’ I jumped at the chance.
“Not only am I a proud supporter of the Camden Rams and watched Teddy grow up on the field, Teddy and his family have been coming to our venue for years - so it was a natural fit.
“Teddy is the pride of the Camden community.”