Teammates Pay Tribute for Tedesco 200

James Tedesco celebrates his 200th NRL match this weekend - and his teammates have heaped plenty of praise on their influential Captain.

Drew Hutchison, Joseph Manu and Matt Lodge were all on hand for weekly media ahead of Members Round, and each had their own personal take on the influence that Tedesco has had on themselves, the Club and the NRL.

A Special Player

When Drew Hutchison arrived at the Club in early 2019, Tedesco was coming off a stellar season that saw him involved in both the NSW Blues' State of Origin victory and the Roosters' emphatic 2018 Premiership triumph.

Later that year, he would score the winning tries in both the third Origin series and the NRL Grand Final, whilst picking up the Dally M Medal as the Player of the Year. 

“I think people run out of words to describe him when they see him play,” Hutchison said.

“To play alongside him - it’s pretty special. He’s constantly involved in the play; he’s one of the great players in the competition and he’ll probably go down as one of the greatest fullbacks of all time.

“It’s magic. Through Origin he plays a game like he does on a Wednesday night then backs up on a Saturday, he doesn’t miss a beat and doesn’t shirk responsibility.

He’s one of the great players in the competition and he’ll probably go down as one of the greatest fullbacks of all time.

Drew Hutchison On James Tedesco

“It’s just such a privilege to play alongside him and everyone’s just pinching themselves watching him play and how special he is.

“He’s such a great leader for this Club and everyone looks up to him. We’re looking forward to his 200th game.”

Reliability

For Joseph Manu - who has consistently taken over fullback responsibilities during the arduous State of Origin period - the freakish numbers that the skipper posts on a weekly basis have become a formality for Members and teammates alike.

Manu was quick to cite the consistency and reliability that Tedesco shows week-in-week out during the marathon NRL season.

“He’s awesome,” said Manu.

“He’s just consistent. He plays at a top level every week. He’s been around for a while now playing 200 games but what he does at this Club, he turns up every week and he’s our leader, our Captain.

“To have someone like him really makes the team special. He leads by example; there’s a lot of action and he’s a tough player.

“You know he’s going to turn up every week. He’s always there to perform and always has good games. It’s sort of just normal now – people see him running a lot of metres and making a lot of tackle breaks.

“But that’s just what you expect from Teddy. I think for myself, I love playing next to him. I get to run off the back of him or combo up with him. I enjoy being out on the same field and being on the same team as him.

“He’ll be up there. I’ve been lucky to play with a few players, but he’s definitely up there right now. I think right now he’s the best player.”

Professionalism 

Despite only being at the Club for the last month, Matt Lodge has a close bond with Tedesco that dates back to his days as a cub at the Wests Tigers.

Since that time, Lodge has seen his good mate develop into what he describes as an 'ultra-professional' - which has seen him overcome a horrific injury toll to become one of the game's great Captains.

He prepares well, he’s a leader here and I guess he’s developed that aura that when he says something, you listen. If he asks for an effort, you give that effort.

Matt Lodge On Tedesco's professionalism

“Funnily enough in my early days at the Tigers, me and Teddy were together,” Lodge said.

“Even as a fan I was sitting back and amazed at what he does. I thought he was the best player in the game then and even coming here, he’s on another level.

“There’s nowhere on the field where he’s not there. He’s one of the greatest players to play the game – in my opinion – so far. He just keeps going and going and going. He’s so good every week and he’s consistent.

“I obviously haven’t played with him a long time but coming back in, he’s an ultra-professional now. He prepares well, he’s a leader here and I guess he’s developed that aura that when he says something, you listen. If he asks for an effort, you give that effort.

“He’s earnt that right and I’m sure he won’t ask for it this week and make it about himself, but for me personally, I think everyone in there will want to have a crack for Teddy’s 200th. It’s a massive milestone.

“I know no one will talk about it but he had a horrible injury run when he was a young kid. It’s a testament to the way he looked after himself and how he prepares himself.”