EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater marvels at James Tedesco's career evolution

Nineteen seconds, two tackles, two concussions. It was the thriller elimination final opening that no one saw coming.

As the Sea Eagles were left to battle the sudden absence of key players, the team had yet to shift focus back to the individual powering force that was about to hit them.

In his 250th game in the NRL, James Tedesco showed no signs of slowing down as he charged over the line to score two of the Roosters six tries.

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A masterful display from the skipper saw him record 226 run metres, two line breaks, two try assists and three tackle breaks at Allianz Stadium.

For Queensland great Billy Slater, Tedesco's on-field brilliance was the instrumental element that ignited the Roosters.

"James Tedesco was the best player on the field," Slater said on Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast.

"I don't think what happened at the start of the game for Manly would've made a difference if it didn't happen.

"If Tolutau Koula or Jake Trbojevic stayed on the field, I don't think it would've mattered because the attitude and the intent that the Roosters turned up with, I don't think Manly could combat that.

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"(The Roosters) were just way too strong, they played way too fast, and the better team won.

"But (Tedesco) was great. He's got the quality and quantity. He is always in the game."

Tedesco continued to build his case as one of the best fullbacks in the game as he orchestrated momentum and try-scoring plays, all while remaining safe under the high ball.

His consistency in recent years earned the praise of Slater, who noted the Roosters success in the finals since Tedesco's arrival.

Since signing with the Roosters in 2018, the club has qualified for September football every year.

"They've had some adversity over the last few weeks with a couple of key players going down," Slater said.

"But Tedesco just stood up and said 'okay, I'll lead from the front. We are still in this competition. Let's go and chase it'.

"He has been super consistent. He's been really consistent and played at a high level for a really long time.

"That was one of his better games, that's for sure. He had a real mix to it.

"Over the past five or six years, he's developed this creativity in his game. He's always in the game because he takes all the tough carries, he's hard to handle, he beats tackles, breaks tackles.

"He's always had that quantity (and) want to compete.

"I'm sure Trent Robinson would be really pleased with how his captain is playing."

The 40-16 triumph booked the Roosters a ticket to Melbourne for the first preliminary final on Friday, where they will face the minor premiers for a spot in the grand final.