LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
James Tedesco has solidified his position as the **Zero Tackle** NRL MVP with a commanding performance last weekend, scoring a flawless 20 votes in the Sydney Roosters' victory, which secured them a place in the finals. His outstanding display was crucial, especially as Terrell May, who currently ranks second, failed to gain any votes while playing for the Wests Tigers. Consequently, Tedesco will finish the season with a substantial 60-vote lead.
In addition, Brisbane Broncos stars Payne Haas and Reece Walsh also performed well, ensuring their spots in the top five. Despite being sidelined for the last six weeks of the season due to injury, Herbie Farnworth secured fourth place.
Additionally, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned a modest number of votes, finishing just outside the top five, while Addin Fonua-Blake was among the other players who garnered votes.
Walsh, who received unanimous recognition as the match's best performer for Brisbane, along with Tedesco, was part of an exclusive group that includes Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses, all achieving 20 votes for the weekend. Other players such as Erin Clark, Lehi Hopoate, AJ Brimson, Keano Kini, Toby Rudolf, Nicho Hynes, Tevita Naufahu, Kodi Nikorima, and Trai Fuller also received top votes from at least one judge.
Throughout the 2025 NRL season, the **Zero Tackle** team, which includes founder Matt Clements, writers Ethan Lee Chalk and Dan Nichols, and myself as editor, will award votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 scale for each game. Results will be published weekly on **Zero Tackle**.
In the upcoming week, we are set to reveal the MVP team of the year, along with position and club rankings from the recently concluded season.