"Hat-Trick Teddy" proving a big hit with Roosters

Margie McDonald

It’s only been a week but James Tedesco is proving an even bigger hit with the kids of his Sydney Roosters teammates.

And that means he’s even more popular with their fathers as he’s sharing the joy or reading among their sons – just ask Brett Morris.

“BMoz tells me his little ones have read it all and a few of the other boys say their kids have read it,” said first-time author Tedesco about his book ‘Hat-Trick Teddy’ released by publishers Pan Macmillan at the end of March.

“It’s been really good actually. A lot of parents have sent me stuff on Instagram; my neighbours with kids are sending me photos of their kids reading in bed.

“It’s school holidays and it’s good to see the kids off their iPads, off the lounge watching TV, and in bed with the book.

“A lot of parents are really stoked with that and I know a lot of kids are getting a lot out of it.

“If it’s making a difference in a few kids’ lives, who enjoy the reading and the journey, then that’s terrific.”

A sequel is already in the pipeline for release in July entitled “Red versus Blue” to continue Tedesco’s story of being a young country boy playing for the Menangle Meerkats and then onto the Camden Rams. 

He brings readers along the journey including everything from life on the family farm to his Nona’s delicious meat balls and spaghetti as he works towards his dream of playing in the NRL.

Tedesco didn’t have to stray too far from his own childhood to recall the enjoyment of a good book.

“I was obviously pretty sporty during the day, playing a lot of difference sports, but I remember at night I’d read the ‘Goosebumps’ collection, and the ‘Captain Underpants’ series of novels,” he said.

“They are stuck in my memory. I enjoyed my night-time reading a lot.”

He acknowledges that many young boys don’t have a strong connection with books.

“I hope my book is something they can relate to because it’s hard to find books that really get you in,” Tedesco said.

“Nowadays I like to read books about sportsmen, biographies, getting an insight to their lives.

“There’s been a lot of interest in my footy career so hopefully this book is something they can relate too – being a kid playing footy and dreaming of playing in the NRL.

“Hopefully this will get kids excited to read because I know parents and teachers find it hard to get books their kids are interested in.”

The sequel takes up the story of Tedesco has an 11-year-old playing for Camden Blue, coached by his Dad.

“Camden Red had all the good players but we went off on our own and created another team,” Tedesco said.

“So that one is very exciting – it’s got all my mates that I played with in real-life in the book as well so they’re all pumped.”

Writing children’s stories seemed a natural progression for the NRL superstar, who has already accomplished a lot in his playing career.

He won the Dally M Fullback of the Year in 2016 just four years into his career and then the overall Player of the Year – the Dally M Medallist – in 2019.

He has also won two premierships with the Roosters and two State of Origin series with the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues. Tedesco has also represented both Italy and Australia.

“I’ve always had a good connection with kids,” Tedesco said.

“Whenever I’ve done footy clinics or school clinics I just love being around the kids with their energy and positivity – they’re so good to be around.

“So, while I didn’t have designs on being an author, now that I’m doing it, it’s exciting. I’m loving it.”

 

‘Hat-Trick Teddy’ was released on 30 March 2021, by Pan Macmillan Australia

Recommended retail price: $14.99