LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
James Tedesco has made a strong case to reclaim the Kangaroos' No.1 jersey from Dylan Edwards following an impressive performance for the Roosters in their recent victory over the Bulldogs. Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters acknowledged Tedesco's potential return to the Test team for this year's Ashes series against England and concurred with NRL legend Cooper Cronk that Tedesco is favored to win the Dally M Medal this season.
In a standout 32-12 win at Allianz Stadium, Daniel Tupou's hat-trick and Naufahu Whyte's double caught attention, but Tedesco's exceptional play remained the highlight. He made 31 runs, covering an impressive 215 run meters, contributing nine tackle busts and a try assist. Post-game, Bulldogs star James Graham inquired if Tedesco was "back in the frame" for the Kangaroos, to which Walters responded affirmatively, emphasizing Tedesco's ongoing relevance in representative football.
"Well he's never out of the frame in rep football; he played one Origin game this year," Walters commented. "Yeah he's certainly thereabouts... whatever jersey he has on, he just plays well and plays like a leader, and that's what you need."
Walters noted that Tedesco's outstanding performances this season could not be overlooked and praised his leadership qualities in mentoring younger players on the Roosters team, including Hugo Savala, Sandon Smith, and Robert Toia. "These younger players have given him the energy for this year," Walters explained. "And Tedesco has been playing with a big smile on his face alongside these younger kids; he's teaching them as well and showing great leadership. He's been fabulous for them."
Tedesco previously won the Dally M as the NRL's best player in 2019 and secured his second consecutive premiership with the Roosters that same year. Cronk believes Tedesco is currently in the best form of his career and is a leading contender for another Dally M award this season.