COULD THIS BE TRUE? : Geelong Cats Community React as James Tedesco Delivers Future Message to Roosters Camp
While the Geelong Cats (AFL) community has taken note of the developments, the Sydney Roosters compete in the National Rugby League (NRL)
Sydney Roosters fullback and captain James Tedesco has addressed head coach Trent Robinson and his entire team with a message concerning his playing future, as the club faces significant pressure to keep the 33-year-old on the field for every NRL game this season – a feat he achieved last year when he claimed the Dally M Medal.
The Roosters have strengthened their squad with the arrival of representative stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson, leaving them well-stocked across most positions. However, limited back-up options at fullback have raised concerns about what would happen if Tedesco were sidelined – a scenario that has not eventuated in several seasons.
In the event of an injury to their skipper, the club would be forced to turn to one of three unexpected candidates: Cody Ramsey, who has been absent from NRL action for more than three years after battling ulcerative colitis that required a seven-month hospital stay; Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is reportedly considering a switch to rugby union’s Wallabies; or teenage rugby prodigy Rex Bassingthwaighte.
Bassingthwaighte will start at fullback wearing the No.1 jersey in Saturday’s trial match against the Wests Tigers. While identified as Tedesco’s long-term successor, the youngster is still 18 months away from being ready for regular first-grade football.
Tedesco expressed gratitude for his recent run of good health, while also voicing strong support for his potential replacements. “Cody has been outstanding, we’ve swapped in and out of training plenty of times, and he’s done an awesome job,” Tedesco said. “To hear his story, and what he’s been through, and to now come back and play footy, it’s pretty special. He’s definitely stood out at training. Not only is he fast, but he’s tough, and gets in and has a go. He could even be that specialist back we put on the bench where if something does happen.”
Tedesco and Ramsey are scheduled to return for next weekend’s trial against Parramatta, where Cherry-Evans – who turns 37 next week – and Robson are also set to feature. Tedesco praised Cherry-Evans for leading the charge in pre-season, including volunteering for extra training sessions. Utility Hugo Savala has also been training across lock and centre to provide additional positional cover.
In other trial news for Saturday, the Wests Tigers will start Heamasi Makasini – an under-18s Australian rugby teammate of Bassingthwaighte – in the centres, despite his push for the starting left wing spot in their season opener. Las Vegas-bound Newcastle and Canterbury will field most of their top players, with Knights recruit Dylan Brown and Bulldogs pair Matt Burton and Lachie Galvin named to start. Earlier in the day, Manly will face the Warriors in Napier, New Zealand, with young halves Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh leading the Sea Eagles.
