James Tedesco was crowned The Players’ Champion at the 2017 RLPA Awards

SYDNEY Roosters-bound fullback James Tedesco was crowned The Players’ Champion at the 2017 RLPA Awards on Tuesday night.

CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI

2 min read

September 13, 2017 - 7:59AM

James Tedesco tops of a rollercoaster year. Picture: Toby Zerna

NRL

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SYDNEY Roosters-bound fullback James Tedesco was crowned The Players’ Champion.

At the Rugby League Players’ Association’s night of nights he voted player of the year by his peers.

While Tedesco missed out on yet another September campaign with the Wests Tigers, the superstar No.1 had reason to celebrate when he beat a hot field to be recognised as the season’s standout player.

James Tedesco tops of a rollercoaster year. Picture: Toby Zerna

Tedesco was given the nod ahead of the fellow finalists Sam Burgess, Cameron Smith, Jason Taumalolo, Gareth Widdop, Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic.

RLPA boss Ian Prendergast, who has been locked deep in collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the NRL for months, said of Tedesco’s gong: “I would like to congratulate James on being awarded The Players’ Champion and all the players honoured for their performances throughout the 2017 season.

“James has been recognised by his fellow players as the best performer this year, which is an enormous accolade.

Gareth and Carley Widdop. Picture: Toby Zerna

Jess and James Maloney. Picture: Toby Zerna

“The voting system consists of players each week submitting who they think were the best three players from the opposition team — which makes this award unique as it is truly voted on by NRL players.

“James is one of those dynamic players who creates excitement every time he gets the ball and drives huge interest in the game. Clearly his performances have also impressed his peers throughout the season.

“This is something that James should be extremely proud of as he joins an elite group of previous winners that include Jason Taumalolo, Johnathan Thurston, Darius Boyd and Jarryd Hayne.”

Ryan Hoffman and Melissa Filshie. Picture: Toby Zerna

Tahlia Giumelli and Tom Burgess. Picture: Toby Zerna

Tedesco lost no admirers at the Tigers as he aimed up in his final few months at the club. He is Nick Politis’ prized signature for the next four years at the Roosters.

Thurston also made a special presentation to RLPA general president and Storm star skipper Smith in recognition of his contribution to the game, including last weekend’s new game record of 356 games.

James Maloney was awarded the Dennis Tutty Award for his contribution as an advocate for advancing the interests of players throughout the year. The Cronulla playmaker has emerged as the RLPA’s main attack dog.

Canberra’s Nick Cotric was named The Players’ rookie of the year, while the dream team consisted of Tedesco, Jordan Rapana, Konrad Hurrell, Dane Gagai, David Nofoaluma, Gareth Widdop, Nathan Cleary, Aaron Woods, Cameron Smith, David Klemmer, Jason Taumalolo, Wade Graham and Sam Burgess.