Roosters fullback James Tedesco relished the bright lights of Las Vegas, handing in a stellar performance in his side’s 20-10 upset win over the Brisbane Broncos.
Tedesco was best afield in the win, recording nine tackle busts, running for 182 metres and setting up the game sealing try.
For the veteran, it would have been a pleasing performance considering he copped it from all angles for indifferent form in 2023.
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Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield gushed over Tedesco’s performance, but did admit that he thought the 31-year-old’s Blues and Kangaroos jumper was “under siege” after his form last season.
”I watched Teddy when the Kangaroos were beaten 30-0 by NZ last year and I’m starting to think Dylan Edwards, Tom Turbo, Latrell Mitchell, Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh that this guy is under serious siege to retain his Blues and Australian jersey this year,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“But like all champions do, Teddy worked his butt off in the off-season. He has worked so hard to get his game back in order.
“It was a really tough year for him in Origin last year, it was a tough year for him with the Roosters as he was under enormous scrutiny with every game.
“I was so happy to see him after the game looking so happy and celebrating with his teammates.
“I guess it’s the old rule. You never bag a champion, and he is a champion.”
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There’s a lot of football to be played before rep teams are announced this season, but Tedesco has to be the raging favourite to be the Blues number 1 at this stage on the back of the glittering season opening performance.
It was arguably as good as anything he displayed last season, meaning he’s come back in terrific order in 2024 and more importantly for Roosters fans, the team are clicking in attack.
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Retired NRL star Josh Reynolds was in awe of Tedesco’s game against the Broncos, noting the veteran made all the effort plays and did the little things right.
“It’s crazy how people talk about that Tedesco is done. He competed on every single play,” Reynolds said.
“If you watch that game back, every single kick chase, Teddy nearly got a bat back for his team. It’s probably not a play that everyone watches and says what a game he had, but just being in the picture is important. He really stood up yesterday.
“He probably would have run for nearly 200m, set up that try at the end.
“ I think someone called for a position change throughout the week, and it’s just madness.”
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