James Tedesco burst onto the scene in his first few years in Bondi, and now into his seventh season as a Rooster, his game continues to evolve.
One of the most decorated fullbacks and leaders in the game, Tedesco has been a pillar for Trent Robinson's side ever since his first start in the famous colours back in 2018.
James Tedesco's 2024 Highlights So Far
You just have to look at his impressive resume to see what he has done in 149 games for the Roosters:
- Two Premierships (2018, 2019)
- Two World Club Challenge victories (2019, 2020)
- Three State of Origin series wins (2018, 2019, 2021)
- Dally M Player of the Year (2019)
- Dally M Fullback of the Year (2019, 2022)
- Dally M Captain of the Year (2021)
- Brad Fittler Medal (2018, 2019, 2022)
- Harry Sunderland Medal (2018)
- Wally Lewis Medal (2019)
The 2020s have not only seen the game change dramatically, but for Tedesco, his role as a player and fullback has reached a new level with more responsibilities, taking over the captaincy at club, state and international level.
Changing spine combinations and injuries haven't helped his cause, but in 2024, Tedesco’s numbers have been up there with the most impressive of his career – and the stats don’t lie for the flying fullback’s credentials.
Roosters Radio: James Tedesco
After 13 games and 16 rounds of NRL in 2024, Tedesco has clocked up:
- 2327 metres (3rd among fullbacks)
- 7 tries (5th among fullbacks)
- 11 try assists (3rd among fullbacks)
- 9 linebreaks (1st among fullbacks)
- 15 linebreak assists (3rd among fullbacks)
- 88 tackle breaks (1st among fullbacks)
Typical of the kind of leader he is, Tedesco's own evolution this year has contributed to the side's rise in form; which has seen them entrenched in the top four and competing for the Minor Premiership.
If you wind back the clock twelve months, it’s a stark comparison after lingering in 11th position and fighting on a week-to-week basis for a finals spot.
Part of shouldering the burden of responsibility comes with dispersing it to other teammates, and we’ve seen that with Joseph Manu (4th most tries in NRL), Luke Keary (10 try assists) and Sam Walker (15 try assists) recording their best statistics and arguably some of the best form of their respective careers.
NRL.com From the Field Round 1: James Tedesco
His tireless work on both sides of the ball has seen him complete feats reminiscent of his Dally M days, and despite being 31 years of age, there's still plenty yet to come from the veteran custodian.
There will be no shortage of motivation for Tedesco this Sunday night as he looks to cap off a scintillating first 150 games for the Roosters when he faces his old club, the Wests Tigers.
It won't just be an opportunity to celebrate fellow milestones with Trent Robinson set to coach his 300th game at the helm and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' record-equalling 306th match for the Club, but one to keep his side in touch with the top four.
That in itself opens up an opportunity for the Red, White and Blue to finish the year in the all-important top bracket for the first time since 2020, an imperative stepping stone to claim the Club's 16th title.
The most ardent fans have been waiting keenly for another Premiership trophy to be brought back to Bondi, and if that is to happen, it will be off the back of a new-look, fully-evolved James Tedesco.
