Roosters captain James Tedesco jumps on board as Greyhounds As Pets ambassador
Roosters captain James Tedesco will return to Moore Park on Sunday for National Adoption Day following Friday’s bumper Anzac Day clash.
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Roosters skipper James Tedesco’s immediate focus is on Friday’s blockbuster ANZAC Day clash against the St George-Illawarra Dragons but he’ll return to Moore Park on Sunday for a completely different reason.
Tedesco is set to be at the Entertainment Quarter for National Greyhound Adoption Day where 60 retired greyhounds will be available for adoption.
The former NSW Blues and Australian captain will be there promoting it alongside fellow GAP ambassador and Melbourne Storm fullback, passionate greyhound racing advocate Ryan Papenhuyzen.
“I’ve jumped on board to help these greyhounds find a forever home so I’ll be here at Moore Park on Sunday,” Tedesco said.
“I’ll be encouraging friends, family, or any people looking for a dog that greyhounds are a great option.
“They’re very fun, loving dogs and I can’t recommend them enough so I’m excited to be a part of the program.
“Growing up I lived on 200 acres and we had plenty of dogs as pets and in the future I could see myself on board and getting one myself.”
Despite having plenty of miles under the legs as a 258-game veteran, Tedesco still has plenty of speed and noted some comparisons to the speed of greyhounds.
“We’re similar speed but maybe I’m a bit thicker than a greyhound. We’re light on our feet but hopefully I’m a bit more sprightly than some of these retired greyhounds,” Tedesco said tongue in cheek.
“I work hard on it as I get older. I’ve got to keep working on my speed and agility, so I put plenty of focus into that in the pre season and the off season.”
Friday’s match against the St George-Illawarra Dragons will be the 24th Anzac Day Cup and Tedesco’s 100th game as captain for the Roosters.
It will make him just the third player throughout the Roosters’ 118 seasons to crack triple figures for games as captain and he’s rapt to do it on such a huge occasion.
“It was mentioned to me earlier in the week and I wasn’t aware of it to be honest,” Tedesco said.
“Obviously, there’s been so many captains of this club over more than 100 years and it’s a very huge honour for me to captain this club.
“It’s even more special on Anzac Day to lead this team out and to perform.
“I just want to lead by example and hopefully come away with the win.”
Meanwhile, it’s the time of year where rugby league fans start to get keen about State Of Origin, an arena Tedesco has flourished in over the past decade.
With Penrith’s Dylan Edwards the incumbent, Tedesco admits he’s not focused about getting his jersey back but will take the opportunity if it presents itself.
“I don’t think they will make too many changes to be honest,” Tedesco admitted.
“I’m just looking forward to leading my team week in and week out and if an opportunity comes I’ll take it.”
Originally published as Roosters captain James Tedesco jumps on board as Greyhounds As Pets ambassador
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