How Tedesco could re-write the history books
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues fullback James Tedesco has already made history this season and the records could keep tumbling if the Sydney Roosters No.1 continues his scintillating form throughout the NRL Finals Series.
Tedesco became the first player ever to win the Wally Lewis Medal and Brad Fittler Medal in the same season and he is the short-priced favourite to win the Dally M Medal ($1.60) for the game’s best player which will be announced in Grand Final week.
Tedesco is also the favourite ($5.50) to win the Clive Churchill Medal if the Roosters maintain their regular season form and make it through to the NRL Grand Final, with their first hurdle coming against arch rivals South Sydney at the SCG tomorrow night.
Tedesco finished the regular season as the player with the most linebreaks (22) and tackle breaks (148), was second for kick return metres (1381), third for run metres (4309) and sixth for tries (15).
"He's a freakish talent," Roosters captain Boyd Cordner told AAP of his teammate.
"To see the year he had last year and then to think that someone who says he is going to have a better year this year is pretty hard to believe.
"You see some really good players play some outstanding games but they are a bit inconsistent.
"I think with Teddy now, where he has taken his game to, where people are realising and seeing that.
"You know you're a great player when people come to expect a 200-metre-plus game week in week out. He delivers all the time."