‘Turns into a backrower’: Legend reveals simple fix to Roosters skipper’s form slump

Brad Fittler has urged the Roosters to change their approach with James Tedesco, saying one simple fix is needed to correct his form slump.

PRE 2024 RD01 Sydney Roosters v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles - James Tedesco. Picture: NRL Photos

Brad Fittler believes James Tedesco’s form slump in 2023 came down to the way the Roosters were using him as a back-rower at times and urged them to change their approach.

Tedesco averaged 185 run metres per game last season, but managed just 15 linebreaks and 11 try assists, which was well down on his output from previous years.

Tedesco’s place in the NSW and Kangaroos sides was called into question, but Fittler believes there is a simple solution to get the veteran No.1 back to his best.

The only place to watch both games of the Las Vegas opening double-header live is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

“He was down on form,” Fittler said on Wide World Of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth podcast.

“What happens with someone like Teddy, he tries to over compensate with runs … he turns into a bit like a backrower or lock forward.

“They need to play him off two passes, get him on the inside off [Luke] Keary and get him out of dummy-half and first receiver.

James Tedesco ran the ball from first receiver too much last season.

“I don’t know how well he does that and I don’t think he has to. He does so well off that second pass.

“He needs to get out of first receiver and stop wanting to run.”

Immortal Andrew Johns agreed the Roosters’ struggles as a team hurt Tedesco and urged him to change his mindset and focus on what he does well.

The Roosters open their season against the Broncos on Sunday in Las Vegas.

“He was playing in a team that was struggling,” Johns said.

“He was playing first receiver, playing like a front-rower and a halfback and then trying to get in shape as a fullback ... you can’t do it all.”

Originally published as ‘Turns into a backrower’: Legend reveals simple fix to Roosters skipper’s form slump