NRL investigates James Tedesco over ‘Squid Game’ slur claim

Roosters and NSW captain James Tedesco has met with NRL investigators after a woman made a formal complaint about the star fullback.

Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco. Picture: NRL Photos

Sydney Roosters and NSW captain James Tedesco has spoken to the NRL integrity unit and vehemently denied claims that he directed a derogatory comment toward a woman during a night out with friends in Bondi late last week.

News Corp understands that the integrity unit spoke to Tedesco on Monday after the woman, who is of Vietnamese descent, made a formal complaint to the NRL late on Sunday, alleging the Roosters skipper had made a comment in relation to her race.

Tedesco had already denied the allegations during talks with Roosters heirachy after they were alerted to the claims on Friday. The allegations first surfaced on social media after a woman claimed that Tedesco had yelled “squid games” at her sister outside the The Beach Hotel in Bondi late last week.

James Tedesco in action for the Roosters. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

It is understood Tedesco told the club he was discussing the popular Korean show with the group he was with and did not direct any derogatory comments towards the woman at the centre of the claims. He repeated that account during a meeting with integrity unit chief Karyn Murphy on Monday, where he appeared with his lawyer.

Tedesco is one of the best and most respected players in the NRL – he took over the captaincy at the Roosters this season when Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner were forced to retire. He did likewise with the Blues and led NSW to a series win over Queensland.

Sources close to Tedesco say he steadfastly denies the claims and he has the support of his club, who are ready to stand behind their talismanic leader.

James Tedesco was named Dally M captain of the year. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The NRL felt compelled to launch their own investigation after the woman made a formal complaint late on Sunday. In a post on social media on Friday, the woman’s sister claimed Tedesco said the “squid games” comment at her sister before saying “do you know who I am”.

“My dad used to tell stories of racism he faced when he first moved here 30 years ago, my sisters and I can all recount racism we suffered throughout school,” the social media post said.

“A quick google shows you are quite the footie player and even represented our home state. No doubt you are (a) role model to me. As such you need to be held accountable for your words and actions.”