SYDNEY ROOSTERS LEGEND JAMES TEDESCO MAKES HISTORIC DONATION OF LUXURY BUS TO CLUB ACADEMY; COMMITS FUTURE TO THE TRI COLOURS
NRL great’s unprecedented gift inspires global admiration as he pledges to see out career at Bondi Junction
Sydney Roosters icon James Tedesco has made history with an extraordinary donation to the club’s academy, presenting a luxury bus for transporting young players to training and matches – a gesture believed to be the first of its kind by an active professional in rugby league history.
The surprise announcement, made at the Roosters’ academy training facility today, sent ripples through the NRL and captured international attention, with the living great describing the gift as a tribute to the support he has received from fans and the club community. “This club has given me so much – the fans have stood by me every step of the way, and I wanted to give something back that would help shape the next generation of Roosters stars,” Tedesco said in an emotional statement.
In a further boost for the Bondi Junction faithful, the champion fullback confirmed he will see out his entire playing career with the Sydney Roosters. “I can promise you all right now – I’m a Rooster for life. This is where my heart is, and this is where I want to finish what I started back in 2018,” he added.
Since joining the club six years ago, Tedesco has cemented his status as one of the greatest players in Sydney Roosters history. His accolades include back-to-back NRL premierships in 2018 and 2019, five consecutive Jack Gibson Medals (2018-2022) as the club’s Player of the Year, the 2019 Dally M Medal as the league’s best player, and multiple Players’ Champion awards voted by his peers.
The custom-fitted luxury bus will be used exclusively by the Roosters’ junior development pathways, ensuring young talent from across the region can travel comfortably to training sessions, competitions and development camps. Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis described the donation as “a testament to James’s character both on and off the field”.
“The impact of this gift will be felt for decades to come – not just in the practical support it provides our academy, but in the inspiration it gives to every young player who steps on board knowing it came from one of our greatest ever players,” he said.
