Silverware shows why Roosters No.1 James Tedesco is the NRL’s No.1

If you can win it in rugby league, James Tedesco has probably won it in the past 12 months. And the Sydney Roosters fullback is only just getting started.

It’s no surprise NSW’s rise has coincided with Tedesco’s Photo: Phil Hillyard

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His achievements are as remarkable as they are unprecedented.

Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco has claimed just about every team and individual award in rugby league over the past 12 months.

His accomplishments are poised to grow even further over the next fortnight and, what’s more, he doesn’t believe he has reached the peak of his powers.

“I am in my prime and I can get better and better,” he said.

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James Tedesco at the 2018 Brad Fittler Medal, which he won again this year. Photo: NRLPhotos/Gregg Porteous

Tedesco, still only 26, has established himself among the elite fullbacks of the modern era — up there with Billy Slater, Brett Stewart, Greg Inglis, Jarryd Hayne, Darren Lockyer and Anthony Minichiello.

He has dominated at club, Origin and Test level in the past year and gone to another level since signing with the Roosters at the start of last season.

The Daily Telegraph has compiled a list of Tedesco’s awards in the past year — and it makes for compelling reading.

Is there anything left for James Tedesco to win?

“I don’t really take them (awards) in,” Tedesco said. “I just go with the flow. It takes me a bit of time to take it all in.

“I will find some time after the year when it’s all said and done and look back and be proud of the achievements. But I haven’t reflected too much this year.

“It’s been a fun and enjoyable year and a lot achieved, but this is the most important part of the season and the most important game of the year this weekend. I’m excited.

“This club, the guys in this club, ‘Robbo’ (coach Trent Robinson), the coaching staff, they have taken my game to the next level, just the amount of detail we do at training.

“The players we have make my job easier and bring me up a level.”

It’s no surprise NSW’s rise has coincided with Tedesco’s Photo: Phil Hillyard

Tedesco is also confident he can take his game up another notch.

“I think so,’’ he said. “There is stuff to improve on. I won’t rest on my laurels and want to keep improving and staying on top of my game.

“There are so many young kids coming through in my position. They are all pushing you to get better and better. If you get complacent then these younger kids will overtake you.

“There are always kids coming through, it’s a good motivation. They are impressive, so you have to stay at the top of your game.”

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Tedesco is averaging 188 run metres a game this season, the most of any NRL player, and is ranked No.1 in tackle busts (129) and linebreaks (28).

The Roosters superstar also scored the series-winning try inside the final minute to give NSW a dramatic win over Queensland in Origin III at ANZ Stadium.

Tedesco will now focus on driving the Roosters to rarely achieved back-to-back titles.

“Because the Roosters have been successful, people are probably tired of seeing them up the top,” Tedesco said.

“I’m happy to cop that if it means continuing to be successful. No dramas.”

Tedesco is the raging hot favourite to claim this year’s Dally M Medal.

Originally published as Silverware shows why Roosters No.1 James Tedesco is the NRL’s No.1