'Won't be any surprises': Trent Robinson lauds James Tedesco as No.1 race heats up for Kangaroos
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James Tedesco remains in the mix to wear the No.1 jumper for Australia next month, with Trent Robinson lauding the "incredible" campaign from the Roosters captain.
The 31-year-old has returned to his best this year, helping the Tricolours into a prelim final and putting himself among the leading contenders for the Dally M Medal.
Tedesco was snubbed by selectors during the State of Origin series, with Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards earning a call-up and starring for the NSW Blues.
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But with the recent decision from Kalyn Ponga to rule himself out of selection for the Kangaroos, there's a clear "shoot-out" between Edwards and Tedesco for the spot.
Kalyn Ponga won't play for the Kangaroos. NRL Photos
Speaking to media ahead of Friday night's clash against the Storm, Robinson was quizzed on his skipper's hopes of holding on to his coveted green and gold jumper, giving a passionate response about his continued dominance.
"I'm not on the selection panel there, but Teddy has been one of the best players in the game this year," the coach said.
"It's been there for everyone to see, the way he has dominated our team - I don't think there will be any surprises in a couple of weeks at our awards night.
"He's been really dominant, but this is the time right now and those positions are up for grabs and the best players in those positions are still playing.
"I still think the shoot-out is on and he has been incredible this year."
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Tedesco has scored 17 tries, made 24 linebreaks and produced 24 try assists for the Chooks this season, with his display last weekend against Manly among his best.
And while many have pointed out his axing from the NSW team as a turning point, Robinson said that spark was always there for Tedesco.
Trent Robinson has heaped praise on Roosters captain James Tedesco. Getty/Instagram
"This is the funny thing - if someone can be inconsistent over the course of their career, it could have lit a fire, but the fire was already lit," Robinson said.
"It's not about external things, he has got a pride about the way he goes about playing and preparing. I don't think we've seen a shift in his form, it has been so consistently good and I feel like he handled that period so well.
"I've seen people get ruined during that Origin period - selected or not selected - but Teddy continues to do his work and it's an incredible mental approach to this sport.
"He came back early and his physical work that went into this season. I've said it before, people underestimate Ted. He's not outspoken, he just goes about his work and he just does it so consistently well, but there's such a hardness in his mindset.
"There's a quietness about it, but when times get difficult, Teddy turns up - not sometimes, always. It's an amazing trait that he's got and he's had for a long time."
