Tedesco’s Blues leadership fuels desire for club captaincy
Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco maintains he is in good stead to take on a greater leadership role for the tricolours in 2021 following speculation that captain Boyd Cordner could miss the start of the season after a series of head knocks.
Having not led the foundation club before, the 2019 Dally M Medal winner has credited his leadership journey with the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues for his desire to become a long-term captain option for coach Trent Robinson’s side.
Tedesco’s first top level experience in a leadership capacity began in Game Two of the 2019 State of Origin series when coach Brad Fittler named him vice-captain for New South Wales’ 38-6 win in Perth.
Following another strong year for the Roosters in 2020, which saw Tedesco earn a third consecutive Jack Gibson Medal as the club’s Best and Fairest, the fullback was promoted to Blues captain when Cordner was ruled out for the final two games of the Origin series.
While reflecting on last year’s series, Tedesco told NRL.com that he gained plenty from the challenge of leading a vastly inexperienced New South Wales team onto ANZ Stadium for their must-win Game Two clash.
“We had a pretty young team when Boyd left and I just wanted my voice to be heard, especially on the field and trying to lead by example with my actions and words,” Tedesco said.
“Game Two went really well and then Game Three didn’t go so well after leading at 20 minutes, but just having that experience in camp and trying lead the boys as best I can – I’ll definitely take a lot from it and try and lead as best I can at the Roosters (if called upon).”
Having spent several seasons under the tutelage of the Roosters’ most experienced campaigners including the likes of Cordner, Jake Friend and Jared Waerea-Hargeaves, Tedesco is more than willing to wear the captain’s armband in 2021 and beyond.
“I really enjoyed it (being Blues captain),” Tedesco said.
“Obviously part of the leadership group at the Roosters now, there’s me and Friendy, Keary, Jared and Boyd as well.
“There are some big leaders there, so just being part of that group and if I need to step up in that role, I’ll definitely take it with both hands.
“I feel that I try to lead by example as much as I can at training as well. There’s a younger and younger squad each year and trying to teach them and give them footy advice here and there and coaching them along way as well – I really enjoy that.”