NRL 2024: James Tedesco set to 12-month finalise contract extension with Sydney Roosters

James Tedesco is set to push his stellar career into a 15th season with a new deal, which is set to have a flow-on effect on some big names on the free agency market.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: James Tedesco of the Roosters is tackled during the NRL Semi Final match between Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Star fullback James Tedesco has pushed the Sydney Roosters into a preliminary final – and is now likely to push his stellar career into a 15th season.

This masthead can reveal Tedesco is seeking a 12-month contract extension and the Roosters are poised to grant their skipper his wish.

The development comes as Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, who will select his squad for the Pacific Championships in a fortnight, said: “James Tedesco has led all his teams with distinction – he is a great player and I have always been a loyal person.”

Tedesco’s value to the Roosters was yet again evident after a spectacular performance against Manly in last Saturday night’s qualifying final.

He scored two tries, ran for 183 metres and posted two line breaks and four line break assists.

Preliminary talks between Tedesco’s management and the Roosters have started but were put on hold until after the season.

James Tedesco looked his devastating best against Manly. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

That is when Roosters coach Trent Robinson is expected to enter discussions and nail down a deal.

Tedesco, 31, who debuted in 2012, is off contract after the end of next season but can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.

A one-year deal would see Tedesco’s contract conclude at Bondi after 2026. He would still be only 33-years-old.

While aware of his undoubted skill, the Roosters claim to have little interest in the Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga, who remains under contract at Newcastle until the end of 2027.

The Roosters have tentative interest in Brisbane’s Selwyn Cobbo but some at the club feel the Broncos star would be reluctant to shift to Sydney.

While centres Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will leave after this season, the Roosters have significant confidence in centres Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Billy Smith.

Tedesco will lead his Roosters yet again in Friday night’s preliminary final against Melbourne at AAMI Park.

James Tedesco is gunning for Australian selection. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Another big game will thrust the Roosters into a grand final and all but secure Tedesco selection in the Australian squad.

Meninga has a massive opinion of Tedesco but will also consider gun fullbacks Ponga, Dylan Edwards, Tom Trbojevic and Reece Walsh.

Tedesco is the incumbent Kangaroos fullback and captain.

“James is a great player and a terrific person,” Meninga said. “He has led all his teams with distinction and he had a great game on the weekend.

“I have always been a loyal person but I’ve got no favouritism. We have so many great fullbacks at the moment.

“Dylan has played in three straight premierships and Origin this year. There’s Kalyn, who finished off the year great again. Walsh played for Queensland. Tommy can play anywhere but his best position is fullback.

“We will sit down and select who we feel will be best for Australia at this particular time. Club form is really important, as is playing in the finals. I also think Origin is really important.

“We have to look to the future – we want to win a World Cup – but also I think you should be picked on your merits. We have to take a lot into consideration.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: James Tedesco set to 12-month finalise contract extension with Sydney Roosters