Wests Tigers are reluctant to risk star fullback James Tedesco’s dodgy ankle against the Knights, even though the NSW enforcer is desperate to get some match fitness before Origin III.

The 24-year-old hasn’t played since Origin II and is struggling to overcome the injury for Wests clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

Blues coach Laurie Daley is keen for Tedesco to get a game in before the Origin sides are named on Monday, but, that is looking increasingly unlikely.

Tedesco said he pulled up sore on Thursday after a light hit out.

“It’s coming along alright, I had a bit of a run (on Thursday but) it wasn’t 100 per cent,” Tedesco told C91.3 FM on Friday.

“I have another fitness test (on Saturday), just to see how good it is.”

Known for amazing agility, anything less than full strength would see the game’s in-form fullback watch on from the sidelines.

He would still be named in the NSW side with medicos tasked with getting him right for what is being dubbed as the one of the biggest matches in Origin history - as the Blues aim to claim just their second series in 12 years.

“It’s alright running straight, it’s just the sidestepping that puts a lot of pressure on it. I’ll rejudge it (on Saturday) and see how it goes,” Tedesco said. 

Meanwhile, the Titans welcome back Tyrone Roberts from a shoulder injury for tonight’s all-important clash against the Dragons.