Contenders gunning for James Tedesco’s No.1 crown
James Tedesco is coming off one of the most dominant seasons in rugby league history and is hot favourite to be named the game’s best fullback in 2020 — but he has a host of rivals gunning for the title. WHO WILL BE NO.1? VOTE IN OUR POLL!
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James Tedesco was simply the best in 2019, winning just about every award on offer in one of the most dominant seasons rugby league has witnessed.
The Roosters’ superstar fullback claimed the Dally M Medal as the NRL’s best player, was named fullback of the year, won the Wally Lewis and Brad Fittler Medals for his State of Origin heroics and capped it all with the match-winning try on his way to a second straight premiership.
So can he be the number one No.1 again?
You’d be hard-pressed to bet against him, but there are a host of gun fullbacks gunning for his title in 2020.
Check out the top contenders to be named the NRL’s best fullback and vote in our poll!
James Tedesco:
The Roosters No.1 has nearly done it all – won back-to-back premierships, been the NSW State of Origin hero, claimed the Dally M Medal and worn the green and gold for Australia. He is not just a leading fullback but one of the best players in the game.
2019 stats: 24 games, 187 run metres per game, 136 tackle busts, 30 linebreaks, 15 try assists
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
If there is one man who can give Tedesco a run for his money, it is definitely 2018 Dally M medallist Tuivasa-Sheck. The Warriors skipper backed up his career-best form from 2018 by snatching the Golden Boot for a stellar international effort with New Zealand last year.
2019 stats: 23 games, 184 run metres per game, 106 tackle busts, 16 linebreaks, 14 try assists
Tom Trbojevic
“Tommy Turbo” has had a rough run with injury in his short career but there is no doubt he is a star of the NRL and one of Manly’s most important players. Their finals hopes will hinge on his form and availability this season.
2019 stats: 12 games, 163 run metres per game, 55 tackle busts, 15 linebreaks, nine try assists
Kalyn Ponga
The Queenslander is one of the most exciting young talents in the game and, at 21, still has so much potential ahead of him. With his Maroons No.1 jersey on the line following the return of Valentine Holmes to the NRL, expect big things from Ponga in 2020.
2019 stats: 20 games, 102 run metres per game, 90 tackle busts, 19 linebreaks, 11 try assists
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Nicoll-Klokstad went from not being able to break into the Warriors’ first grade side in 2018 to a grand finalist with the Raiders in 2019. Last year was a breakout season for the flashy 24-year-old and he will be looking for more of the same with Canberra in a bid to avoid the dreaded “second-year syndrome”.
2019 stats: 26 games, 163 run metres per game, 85 tackle busts, 11 linebreaks, four try assists
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Originally published as Contenders gunning for James Tedesco’s No.1 crown