NRL 2022: James Tedesco reveals he has apologised to woman at centre of Squid Games incident

Superstar fullback James Tedesco has opened up about the off-field incident which threatened to tarnish the clean skin image of the Sydney Roosters and Blues captain.

James Tedesco has ‘owned up’ to his role in an off-field incident that threatened to tarnish the clean skin image of the Sydney Roosters and NSW Blues captain.

The superstar fullback was fined $10,000 for bringing the game into disrepute and behaving “in a drunken and disorderly manner” after he was investigated by the NRL’s Integrity Unit.

In October, a young woman of Vietnamese descent, Tiffany Trinh, alleged Tedesco shouted ‘Squid Games’ at her in reference to the South Korean hit Netflix series.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

James Tedesco has ‘owned up to the incident and taken responsibility’.

Speaking about the incident for the first time, Tedesco revealed he has apologised to Trinh.

“It was disappointing as a leader and a role model of the game,” Tedesco said at Thursday’s NRL season launch.

“The way I handled it, I spoke to who was affected and owned up to it.

“I was obviously disappointed but happy with how I approached it all and it was all sort of settled.

“It was more about owning up to that and taking responsibility.

“Even in our pre season, we’ve talked about how we want to be role models.

“I know I’m a great role model, but I know I can improve because I don’t want to have any stuff ups or wrongdoing towards our club.

Tedesco with fiancee Maria Glinellis.

Tedesco, who is expected to be fit for round one against Newcastle, said NRL players had to learn how to deal with situations that could turn sour while on a night out.

“Even going out my whole career … it’s not that people are out to get you, but it’s hard to hold in your frustrations when people are getting into you,” Tedesco said.

“If I’m out having drinks, I’ve got to be aware and I’ve got to be responsible.

“Being the captain you’re not a young kid anymore, you can’t just go out and have beers all the time with the younger boys.

“I’m engaged now and I want to start a family. I feel like I’ve taken that step forward and I’m really excited about my life personally for the future.

“I’m mature now. As a captain I’ve got to be the guy who goes out and looks after the boys. I’ve got to set a good example for them.”

Tedesco said he would use the experience to help ensure the club’s high-profile rising stars, outside back Joseph Suaalii and playmaker Sam Walker, did not make a similar mistake.

Tedesco expects to be fit to face the Knights in round one.

“I’ll take them under my wing, they both have a good head on their shoulders. Joey (Suaalii) doesn’t drink … but Sammy Walks (Walker) he loves a punt and a few beers,” Tedesco said.

“Especially in Bondi as well, in the east, there’s always trouble with people around and that’s where everyone wants to go out. You have to be careful.

“We’ve talked about it openly. Back in the day the Roosters culture externally probably didn’t have a great reputation … It feels like it’s changed over the years.

“The culture we have is very responsible.

“Especially now as captain, I’ve got to lead that.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: James Tedesco reveals he has apologised to woman at centre of Squid Games incident