NRL 2021: James Tedesco elevated to captaincy as Roosters prepare for clash with Wests Tigers

James Tedesco takes over the Roosters captaincy this weekend but it won’t change his approach to the game where enjoyment remains paramount.

Pictured: Sam Verrills and JAmes Tedesco. Sydney Roosters football team train on an oval in Moore Park today .picture John Grainger

James Tedesco was all smiles at Sydney Roosters training on Monday as he prepared to lead the Tricolours out against his former side Wests Tigers on Sunday.

Fresh from delivering the three-try performance that confirmed him as rugby league’s best player, Tedesco declared the key to overcoming the challenge posed by Ryan Papenhuyzen – or anyone else - was being himself.

Some suggested he might end up wearing the No.14 jersey for NSW following Papenhuyzen’s season starting blitz on Thursday night.

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James Tedesco single handedly tore the Sea Eagles apart.

And then Tedesco tore apart the Sea Eagles.

Set to captain the Roosters in the absence of injured skipper Jake Friend, Tedesco also pointed out the other Papenhuyzen-like challenges he had conquered during his six-year stint as the game’s best No.1.

“I think over the years I have been compared to someone else or had a new challenge,” Tedesco said.

“Honestly, I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I go out and be me. If I am thinking about other players, It is taking away from me.”

Tedesco said he was aware of Papenhuyzen’s stunning season start but did not use his rival’s two-try performance as motivation to go one better.

“I didn’t really watch much footy before our game,” Tedesco said.

Sam Verrills and James Tedesco have a laugh at Roosters training. picture John Grainger

“I didn’t even want to think about it. Paps obviously had a great game and I watched a few of his tries, but I never watch stuff like that and think I want to beat it. We are different players and every fullback is different.

“I just go out and be myself.”

In an insight into the mind of a champion and a player regarded as the ultimate professional, Tedesco claimed playing without pressure was the key to playing at his best.

“I just get into the enjoyment and try and not put pressure on myself,” Tedesco said.

“One of the boys actually asked me if I still get nervous before the game, and I don’t. I just go out, have fun and enjoy my football. Some pre-seasons I feel like I have put too much pressure on myself. I have tried to be a leader and this and that, and it hasn’t worked.”

Tedesco will lead by example this weekend when he replaces Friend as captain following the latest injury sustained by the veteran hooker.

Jake Friend was at Roosters training on Monday but won’t be playing this weekend.

The 31-year-old suffered his third concussion in six months after clashing heads with Andrew Davey in the Roosters’ walloping win.

The injury has some suggesting Friend’s career could be in doubt.

But in a welcome sign, Friend was spotted at Roosters training on Monday as he observed but did not take part in the session.

Freddy Lussick is firming to replace Friend in the Roosters clash with the Tigers after receiving praise for his pre-season from coach Trent Robinson.

“Freddy has been ready for a long time,” Robinson said.

“He has had a great pre-season and is ready to go.”