NSW fullback James Tedesco is confident he can return for the Wests Tigers’ NRL clash with Newcastle next weekend, before heading into camp for State of Origin III.

Tedesco revealed on Friday he tore a lateral ligament in his ankle in the Blues’ 18-16 loss to Queensland on Wednesday night, while celebrating a NSW try.

He was ruled out of the Tigers’ clash with the Gold Coast at Campbelltown on Friday night, and originally feared the injury could be a repeat of the ankle syndesmosis he suffered in 2014, which required surgery and ruled him out for nine weeks.

However, he is now hopeful he will face Newcastle on Sunday week before ramping up preparations for the July 12 Origin decider.

Round 20

Mitchell Pearce and James Tedesco of the Blues celebrate after Pearce scored a try. Source: Getty Images

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“It’s not as bad as I first thought,” Tedesco told Sydney radio station C91.3. “It’s the ankle I injured before and had surgery on it, but luckily it wasn’t that bad again.

“I tore a lateral ligament.

“It’s very sore at the moment so I’ve been icing it all night and hopefully get it right for next week.”

Tedesco injured the ankle while celebrating the Mitchell Pearce try, which gave the Blues a commanding 16-6 first-half lead.

James Tedesco of the Blues seeks medical attention during game two. Source: Getty Images

He had the swollen ankle strapped at halftime, before being removed from the field for a concussion test late in the second half.

By Friday, he could at least see the comical side of his ankle injury.

“I went to celebrate with him (Pearce),” Tedesco said.

“I jumped up and I rolled it as I was celebrating with him.

“It’s pretty funny, but it’s not ideal.”