Tedesco shines brightest in battle of the fullbacks

James Tedesco proved why he’s perhaps the most elite fullback in the game after a dazzling performance in the Roosters’ win over the Knights.

Sitili Tupouniua celebrates a try in the Roosters’ 28-8 win over the Newcastle Knights.

A scintillating James Tedesco got one over Kalyn Ponga in a masterclass display at fullback to edge the Roosters closer to the top four in a 28-8 win over a gritty Knights outfit.

Returning from a week off after the third State of Origin clash the NSW and Roosters skipper created four tries and mountains of grief for the Knights at windy Sunshine Coast Stadium.

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The Knights, with a strong breeze at their backs, started like a team playing for their season with plenty of intensity on show.

In the absence of David Klemmer (concussion) the Saifiti brothers in tandem were a ferocious one-two punch. Daniel ripped and teared and Jacob barged over to give the Knights the early lead.

The match turned on a ball steel by Joey Manu on Knights winger Dominic Young with Sam Walker and Tedesco combining to put a red hot Sitili Tupouniua over before Matt Ikuvalu limped off with a leg injury.

A sensational no-look Victor Radley pass delivered for Manu and the Roosters had conjured up a 10-8 halftime lead.

Joey Manu danced the night away in the Sunshine Coast.

Tedesco owned the second half like only he can and set up Daniel Tupou, Tupouniua and a barnstorming Angus Chrichton for tries while carving the Knights to shreds.

To prove there is nothing he can’t do he even took on the goalkicking duties and did a decent job despite a stiff breeze.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson hailed Tedesco’s display.

“He is the complete player,” Robinson said.

“It was great to see from the sideline how he organised our defence. He took control of the last plays. He took control of the ruck and took control of the short sides. It was a real clinic from him tonight.”

The Roosters have been cruelled by injuries this year and this game was no different.

Robinson said centre Billy Smith suffered “a mid-foot injury” and winger Ikuvalu could be out for six to eight weeks with a syndesmosis.

As for his new centre next week he said “Josh [Morris] will be straight back in there without a doubt”.

TEDDY v PONGA

Showdowns between Origin fullbacks in clubland are always eagerly anticipated and the match-up between Tedesco and Ponga was no different. Ponga denied Tedesco a clean sweep in the Origin series by knocking down a Tom Trbojevic pass that would have seen him score under the sticks.

There was no denying Tedesco this time. Remarkably, he knocked down a pass from Kurt Mann which hit Ponga on the bicep and went forward for Hymel Hunt to be awarded a try, which was soon overturned by the Bunker.

Ponga started the game strong.

Ponga was a livewire early but Tedesco injected himself into the fray in a display of sheer genius and electrifying elusiveness to prove who rules the roost in the fullback stakes.

MANU MAGIC

Class is permanent and Manu has it in abundance.

Coach Trent Robinson can count on the Kiwi international to come up with the big plays when his side needs it and Manu delivered again.

His strength and will secured the ball steal that proved decisive and his anticipation and speed finished Radley’s magic. When Manu is on the field the Roosters will always believe.

Manu played several positions on the night but stood up in all of them.

“He has got footy courage to play moments and that is what he did,” Robinson said.

The Roosters looked comfortable and in control all night long.

KNIGHT TIME

If the Knights are to salvage something from this season they must start next week against the reborn Raiders or kiss the finals goodbye.

Their draw is kind, as they play no teams in the top six in the remaining six rounds.

Mitchell Pearce and Klemmer can’t return from injury soon enough. After getting hammered by the Storm last week the Knights showed plenty of their steel city heritage against the Roosters but lacked the polish to ice a golden opportunity with halves Jake Clifford and Phoenix Crossland failing to make the most of their chances.

Coach Adam O’Brien said the Saifiti brothers showed they were “proud members of our club and held their end of the bargain up” but lamented his side’s lack of football smarts.

“We are young and our footy IQ needs to improve. Fortunately we are in an environment where there is no excuse not to get better at footy,” he said.

Originally published as Tedesco shines brightest in battle of the fullbacks