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James Tedesco Origin treatment leaves Blues unhappy

NRL

NSW coach Brad Fittler accused Jai Arrow of a lack of respect for slamming a concussed James Tedesco into the ground, in a moment that has sparked outrage across the game.

After Wednesday night's State of Origin loss, Fittler took aim at the Queensland forward for his treatment of Tedesco who was flat on his stomach after copping a sickening head knock.

The NSW fullback collected the knee of Josh Papalii on a kick return, with Arrow then picking up his body and shaking him, before realising Tedesco was concussed and signalling for the trainer.

When asked for his thoughts on Arrow's actions, Fittler said: "A lot of lack of respect. But I'm sure he'd learn from that."

Some called for Arrow to be sent to the sin-bin for the moment, while he could also face the ire of the match review committee on Thursday.

Arrow has since apologised for his actions, but the Blues are none too impressed.

Halfback Nathan Cleary said he was disappointed with the way officials reacted.

While Arrow insisted he was unaware Tedesco was concussed and immediately sought help when he realised how injured the Blues' fullback was, Cleary felt referee Gerard Sutton should have intervened.

"I kind of brought it up to the ref after it. I was like, 'that's not really on', especially when the guy's knocked out cold on the ground," Cleary said.

"I'm not the ref but I thought he could have at least looked into it."

Losing Tedesco after 20 minutes was a huge blow for the Blues who would go on to lose five-eighth Cody Walker to another head knock in the second half.

Despite that, however, NSW mounted a late comeback and came close to forcing the match into extra-time in the dying minutes.

Meanwhile, Cleary was presented with the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW player of the series when the Blues arrived back in Sydney early on Thursday morning, while prop Daniel Saifiti was given the 'True Blue Award'.

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