James Tedesco wants to quit Wests Tigers as Roosters lurk

NSW fullback James Tedesco has grown tired of Wests Tigers’ dramas and told friends he wants to quit the club, with the Roosters the likely destination.

NSW fullback James Tedesco has told friends he wants to quit Wests Tigers.

It comes after Tedesco conducted an explosive radio interview in which he unloaded on his own club, declaring: “The Tigers have always been down the bottom, we’ve always had off-field dramas and that stuff gets quite annoying over the years when you have to put up with it.”

Tedesco confirmed a Daily Telegraph report that he had engaged in contract talks with the Sydney Roosters. And Tedesco also said he had attracted interest from Canterbury.

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Multiple sources confirmed Tedesco made personal contact with Roosters official and club legend Anthony Minichiello, who passed the approach onto head coach Trent Robinson. Minichiello and Tedesco are friends having played together for the Italian national rugby league side.

The Roosters confirmed the Tedesco approach but wouldn’t talk publicly for fear of upsetting incumbent fullback Michael Gordon.

Well-placed sources say Tedesco wouldn’t have made contract with the Roosters if he wasn’t interested in joining the powerful club, particularly after negotiating with the Roosters last year before calling off talks to stay at Wests Tigers.

Tedesco, according to friends, has grown tired of Wests Tigers’ dramas and is seeking a fresh start at either the Roosters or Bulldogs.

The X-factor is Parramatta, who may also make a late yet play for Tedesco.

With Mitchell Moses having signed with Parramatta, the Tigers have additional money to throw at Tedesco.

Tedesco is tired of waiting for the Tigers to get their act together. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Tedesco had all but committed to Wests Tigers six weeks ago, yet now, as each day passes, it is becoming increasingly likely he will walk away.

And the Tigers are no guarantee to re-sign skipper Aaron Woods. It is understood Woods and Canterbury are engaged in top-level talks, Woods being close mates with Bulldogs firebrand David Klemmer.

Tedesco spoke like a player ready to leave Wests Tigers during an interview with radio station C91.3FM on Thursday.

“I think clubs like the Bulldogs and Roosters, you know they’re always going to be strong and they’ve always been run from the top very powerfully,” Tedesco said.

“The Tigers have always been down the bottom, we’ve always had off-field dramas and that stuff gets quite annoying over the years when you have to put up with it.

“That stability at other clubs is tempting, I guess, when you think about it. Ivan (Cleary) has come in and said it will take a bit of time, and there is hope there that we can get back on track and that’s the hope we need.”

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Tedesco confirmed the talks with Belmore and Bondi.

“Those two teams are interested,” he said. “Isaac (Moses, manager) told me those two are interested, I haven’t really had any formal discussions with them. They definitely are interested, and those two teams are pretty strong clubs that we’ll have to consider.

“Obviously the priority is to stay at Tigers but our performances lately haven’t been up to scratch, from my perspective and from the team’s perspective.

“It’s not money, the money is not an issue. Just our performances need to improve. As I said Ivan might come in and prove that and I might see that long-term we will be able to win premierships.

“Also recruiting as well, I think we need to make some good signings in the next few years to be a strong club. Our squad at the moment is quite strong, we just haven’t been consistent for many years. I’m hoping Ivan can come in and we can generate some consistency, but it takes a bit of time. We need something.”