Big win for Sydney Roosters as James Tedesco makes call on future
The Roosters may have lost plenty of firepower this off-season, but they’ve kept one of their most important pieces with superstar fullback James Tedesco signing a new one-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026.
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The news comes just weeks after they re-signed halfback Sam Walker, with the Roosters also reportedly in the market for NSW hooker Reece Robson.
Tedesco, 31, made the move from the Wests Tigers to the Roosters in 2018 and enjoyed immediate success with back-to-back premierships.
In his time at the club, he has won a record six Jack Gibson Medals – including five in a row – with Tedesco again named the best player at the Roosters this year after posting a career-high 30 try assists, 39 line-break assists and 167 tackle busts.
He may have lost his Blues and Kangaroos jerseys, but the former representative captain didn’t let it affect him as he led an injury-ravaged Roosters side to the preliminary final.
“The Roosters have been my home for the past seven years, and I’m excited to continue playing for this incredible club,” he said.
“I’m proud to represent the Roosters and there’s a strong bond among the group we have here, so I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond.”
There had been talk of Joseph Manu or Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii eventually replacing him at fullback, but a positional move is off the table now that the pair are no longer at the club.
The contract extension also means the 2019 Dally M Medal winner is on track to bring up 300 games in 2026, with Tedesco 49 matches away from the magical milestone.
“James is not only a phenomenal player but also a leader who sets the standard for professionalism and performance, and I’m really pleased that his experience will continue to benefit the team around him,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
