James Tedesco firms for Dally M glory as competition heats up

With the NRL regular season quickly coming to a close, we take a look at the market for the Dally M Medal, as well as get the expert tips on which player will take out the prestigious award.

Nick Walshaw

2 min read

August 2, 2019 - 4:42PM

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Already hailed the greatest player in rugby league, Roosters fullback James Tedesco is now firming to prove it.

While Queensland superstar Kalyn Ponga opened the year as TAB favourite for rugby league's top gong, it’s his NSW rival Tedesco who is now gunning to become the first Tricolours player to win the medal since Todd Carney in 2010.

Currently, Tedesco is $6 with the TAB, behind only Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith ($5).

With six rounds to play, the pair head a strong field that also boasts Newcastle halfback Mitchell Pearce ($7), Storm playmaker Cameron Munster ($7), North Queensland wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo ($8) and reigning champion, Warriors No.1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ($9).

Another surprise contender is Canberra backrower John Bateman.

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James Tedesco is on track to win his first Dally M Medal. Picture: Jason McCawley

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Unknown to most NRL fans at the start of the year, the English international has firmed from above $40 to $17 as his Raiders have charged into the NRL top four.

So as for who wins it from here?

"I think it's Teddy," Fox League analyst Braith Anasta said on Friday. "He's been an absolute freak this year.

"While last year’s winner Roger Tuivasa-Scheck has also been outstanding, I think James Tedesco is the player who has set the bar for everyone else to chase. ".

Cameron Smith is the narrow favourite with TAB. Picture: Alix Sweeney

NRL 360 host Ben Ikin agreed.

"I thought I’d be having major withdrawals after Billy Slater retired," Ikin joked. "But James Tedesco has given me more than my fair share of Slater-like highlights this season.

"He's busy and brilliant all rolled into one."

Elsewhere, Queensland Origin great Corey Parker and Fox League host Yvonne Sampson both agreed Storm captain Smith would claim his third medal, adding to wins in 2006 and 2017.

"It’s hard to split Cameron Smith and James Tedesco," Parker said. "Both are such consistent performers and set such a high standard.

Kalyn Ponga remains in slight contention. Picture: Darren England

"But I’m giving the nod to Smithy - just."

Sampson agreed, adding: "Cameron’s been super consistent as always.

"No-one controls a game, or controls the tempo of the game like he can. He's played 400 games and is still getting better with age."

Elsewhere, League Life presenter Hannah Hollis tipped Tuivasa-Sheck to make a late charge and go back-to-back.

"He’s head and shoulders the most influential player in his side," she said. "Like the Cameron Smith of the Warriors, such is his impact.

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"He won the award last year and has been in amazing form again in 2019."

Another serious contender with over a month left to play is Pearce.

While it was team-mate Ponga who started the year as $8 TAB favourite, the talented Knights No.7 has himself dramatically firmed from $17 in a year where he also secured his first ever State of Origin series.

Newcastle face the Manly Sea Eagles at Lottoland on Saturday afternoon, looking to end a run of four straight defeats.

And for Pearce to be any hope of a Dally M win, his side will need to start winning with a new spine that boasts Mason Lino in the No.6 jersey and Connor Watson at hooker.

Tedesco, meanwhile, will be looking to bag more points at the SCG on Sunday afternoon, when his Roosters face the struggling Gold Coast Titans.