Teddy’s tears after stunning legends with Clive Churchill heroics
Over two years ago, James Tedesco was dropped from the NSW Blues side.
It looked like the end may be approaching for the champion fullback after Dylan Edwards superseded him in the role.
James Tedesco is consoled by Trent Robinson. NRL Imagery
The fact NSW won the series after his demotion didn’t help.
But fast-forward to now, he’s a premiership-winning captain, has retained his Blues No.1 jersey and is a Clive Churchill medallist.
The 33-year-old was overcome with emotion when speaking to Brad Fittler after his side’s 19-18 win.
“I didn’t think I’d be emotional. I’m so proud of this team. What a game. I’m speechless,” he told Nine.
Tedesco finished the match with 385 run metres, a line break assist, try assist and 14 tackle breaks. He also forced two drop-outs.
Post-match, Trent Robinson spoke of how important it was for Tedesco to captain a grand final-winning side.
“It was such a big one for Ted tonight to captain a premiership. He’s played in two, but to captain one was really special for him,” he said.
“We’re pretty blessed.”
Johnathan Thurston added how important Tedesco was for the Roosters′ comeback effort after being down 12-6 at half-time.
“What a player he’s been for the Roosters since he arrived at the club ... they were on the back foot at half-time but just the power game, his speed and footwork around the ruck and composure of their spine (led to the comeback),” Thurston said.
“Nearly 400 metres too, that’s insane.”
His performance adds to an incredible career that now includes three premierships after success in 2018 and 2019.
Tedesco won those first two premierships with Cooper Cronk as his No.7, and from there he had to deal with a rotation of different players at halfback.
James Tedesco with the Clive Churchill Medal. NRL Imagery
Kyle Flanagan, Luke Keary, Drew Hutchison and Lachlan Lam all had their time in the halves until a young Sam Walker started to appear from 2022.
As Walker started his tutelage, Tedesco copped criticism for trying to do too much as he attempted to take the reins of the side.
Now in the past two years, Walker has started to come into his own, while this season Daly Cherry-Evans was a blessing with his composure.
“Having him this year helped me so much on and off the field,” Tedesco said of Cherry-Evans.
“That’s why we got him in – to ice those moments. So happy we could have a fairytale ending for him.”
Cameron Smith noted that Tedesco’s influence on the game had changed recently.
“He had a bit more speed, was a bit more explosive, but now he just accumulates runs and metres which takes so much pressure off his middle forwards,” he said.
“Thirty-eight runs for 385 metres is just incredible ... it’s a big moment for him.”
