Wests Tigers must sign James Tedesco or it will cost them huge dollars

MATTHEW JOHNS: James Tedesco could be the NRL’s most influential player in 2017. So Wests Tigers can’t waste any time in securing his future.

IN 2017 James Tedesco will be one of the games most influential players, maybe the most influential.

The people who run Wests Tigers need to get Tedesco and his manager in a room urgently and do what is ever necessary to get him to commit to the club long term.

With every 80 minutes they allow him to play unsigned, the more his monetary value increases. Last Friday he added another $100,000 a year to his signature.

They say no player is irreplaceable, I’m not sure about that. The loss of Tedesco would be catastrophic to the Tigers.

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It’s going to be a tricky negotiation. All four key players — Tedesco, Aaron Woods, Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks — are not only off contract, but share the same management.

In many ways the club finds itself snookered.

I’m not suggesting for one moment these four players will hold the club unfairly over a barrel, each of them are not only quality young men, but have a genuine loyalty to the Tigers.

But the club knows these negotiations need to be treated delicately. All four are extremely close on and off the field. If one feels dudded, things could get very difficult.

Tigers captain Aaron Woods and James Tedesco share a laugh during training at Concord Oval. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Word is, Woods is close to agreeing to terms. I really can’t imagine the big international prop playing anywhere else. His career is still on an upward curve, and he’s a tremendous captain. They tell me he creates the kind of atmosphere, which makes turning up to training enjoyable. Football shouldn’t feel like a job. Woodsy is as important off the field, as he is on.

I love Moses. He’s tough, super competitive and as a playmaker, continues to improve rapidly. He’s smart too. He came into Fox Sports last year to host a Friday Night Football match and his tactical nous is outstanding. By the time he retires he’ll be every bit as much a Tigers legend as his uncle Benny Elias or the likes of Blocker Roach or Benji Marshall.

The club just needs him to sign.

Tigers halfback Luke Brooks looks primed for a big year. Picture: Brett Costello

One of the most vital elements to the Tigers having success is Brooks going to the next level. Brooks is more reserved than the naturally bullish Moses, and that comes out in his football at times.

He was excellent against Souths, energised, dominant and willing to challenge the defence, and he looks headed for a breakout year.

The key to the Tigers getting these three players to commit is Tedesco. If Tedesco stays, I’m certain Woods, Brooks and Moses would commit immediately.

In the daily soap opera that is rugby league, stories abound on a daily basis, many belong in the fiction section of the bookstore.

Mitch Moses celebrates with teammates after their victory in the round one NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

One is Tedesco has agreed in principle to join a cashed-up rival Sydney club in 2018, I doubt that very much, but it’s a warning to the Tigers to hurry up and get the superstar fullback off the market as quickly as possible. When deciding whether to commit long term to a club, success and future success plays a huge part in a player’s decision.

That’s what makes this Sunday’s match with the Panthers even more important for Wests Tigers. A strong first month will go a long way to convincing Tedesco and his teammates they are capable of real success at their junior club.

What a match it will be. Two young attack-minded teams with plenty to prove.

For the Tigers, it’s all about consistency, proving last Friday wasn’t a flash in the pan.

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For the Panthers it’s about getting their season underway. Their 42-10 loss to the Dragons shocked everyone.

I can’t help but think the hype and expectation around this young Panthers side threw them completely off balance. They’ll be far better this Sunday. However I do like the Tigers again.

Their ’ ability to move the football last Friday in conditions which shouldn’t have allowed anything of the sort tells me their self-belief has been boosted by a distraction free, quality pre-season.

Tigers by 10.