James Tedesco’s rise from Camden Rams junior to rugby league’s premier player

As the dust settles from the Roosters epic grand final win, take a look back to where to all started for one NRL superstar.

James Tedesco playing juniors for the Camden Rams.

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From humble beginnings as a Camden Rams junior to one of the biggest names in rugby league, James Tedesco has earned his stripes.

The Roosters’ Sunday night grand final victory against the Canberra Raiders capped off a spectacular year for the Menangle boy.

The former St Gregory’s College student has won a slew of awards, with the Dally M Medal cementing the fullback’s status as the premier player in the game.

James Tedesco of the Roosters scores a try during the 2019 NRL Grand Final between the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Picture: Joel Carrett

Tedesco in 2004, playing for the NSW under-12 team in the School State Australian Touch Tournament. Picture: Steve Holland

That was confirmed in the eyes of Roosters fans on Sunday as the 26-year-old scored the winning try in the 72nd minute, helping the Roosters claim back-to-back titles.

Camden Junior Rugby League Football Club secretary Kristy Peters said Tedesco was hailed as a hero at the club where he began.

“All players idolise him and we are so proud to call him our own,” she said.

“The club has a perpetual award in James’ honour which is awarded annually to a player in which we feel is most likely to follow James’s footstep — The James Tedesco Rising Star Award.”

Tedesco with his mum Rosemary during the 2019 Dally M Awards. Picture: Brett Costello

John Tedesco, father of NRL player James Tedesco, at his Menangle home.

As a junior, he developed a reputation for being eager to learn.

“James was a quiet boy and very shy, he was well liked by his teammates and coaches and was always very respectful and keen to learn,” Ms Peters said.

“James was lucky enough as a junior to win grand finals which gives him fond memories of his grass root background with Camden JRLFC.”

Ms Peters said Tedesco was a role model for the club’s up-and-coming players.

“Players aspire to be like James and work hard to honour him,” she said.

“As a club we are so proud of James’ achievements. He has done so well for himself from such humble beginnings and each year he just continues to excel and achieve more goals.”

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