James Tedesco is eyeing a third NRL premiership and a contract extension in what shapes as a pivotal few months for the Sydney Roosters captain.
Speculation over the future of Roosters halfback Sam Walker beyond 2025 has increased over recent weeks, but Tedesco is hopeful he can strike a new deal to remain at Bondi Junction before becoming a free agent on November 1.
The 31-year-old captain could command more than $1 million a season on the open market, but might struggle to fetch that amount at the Roosters, given the club is yet to nail down Walker. Brandon Smith is also without a deal beyond the end of 2025.
Tedesco has been excellent at the back for the second-placed Roosters and backed himself to continue playing for another three or four years.
“The body is feeling good, so I don’t think there’s any reason to not want to keep playing,” Tedesco told this masthead.
“I’m the captain of the club, I’ve really enjoyed my career here and I want to finish my career here. I don’t know how long that [future] looks like, but in terms of my body and [how I feel] mentally, I’m in a really good place.
Roosters captain James TedescoCredit: Matt Roberts/NRL Images
“I wanted to focus on my footy this year and let that do the talking. There’s no reason to stress or overthink things. Hopefully, we can get something done in the next couple of months. That would be ideal, but I’m putting all my energy into the finals.”
Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is off contract next year but is expected to re-sign, which would likely result in Storm youngster Sua Fa’alogo becoming a free agent in 2026.
But Tedesco’s leadership will be too important to the Roosters, who lose Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to Super League at the end of this year and Joey Manu to Japanese rugby. The trio have a combined 716 games worth of NRL experience between them.
Tedesco is relishing the chance to keep setting the standard for the next-generation Roosters.
“[Another] big thing about being a captain, it’s not just about you playing well, you need to make sure everyone else is on, and we’re playing good footy as a team – that’s been a big positive for me this year,” Tedesco said.
The Roosters moved into second on the ladder after beating the Gold Coast and face Canberra and South Sydney in the final fortnight.
Waerea-Hargreaves will miss the next three games after pleading guilty to a high tackle and apologised to Tedesco moments after Sunday’s incident.
“Any time you line up and see Jared, you’re intimidated,” Tedesco said. “It sucks it’s coming up to his last few games, and he’ll now miss a few of them. At least we’ll have him back for the important ones.
The Roosters will hold their inaugural Emergency Services event on Sunday, which will feature Amy Scott, the police officer who gunned down Westfield Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi, delivering the game ball via helicopter.