SYDNEY ROOSTERS CAPTAIN JAMES TEDESCO SHARES TOUCHING LIFE STORY
Sydney Roosters captain James “Teddy” Tedesco has officially opened up about his remarkable journey from a farm boy who struggled to make junior representative teams to one of rugby league’s all-time greats, in a touching story that highlights resilience, family and unwavering determination.
Born on January 8, 1993, in Ryde, NSW, with Italian heritage on his father’s side, Tedesco spent his childhood on a sprawling 100-hectare property in Menangle – complete with its own football field – where his love for the game first took root. He played junior rugby with the Camden Rams, facing early setbacks as he repeatedly missed out on rep team selections before finally earning his place and excelling. At St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown, he formed a lifelong bond with future NRL star Chris Lawrence, laying the groundwork for his professional career.
His NRL debut with the Wests Tigers in 2012 ended in heartbreak when he suffered an ACL rupture in his very first game. But true to form, Tedesco bounced back in 2013, going on to represent Italy in the World Cup that same year. A devastating leg break in 2014 tested him further, yet he emerged stronger, with 2015 marking his breakout season – leading the competition in tackle breaks and finishing third in tries scored to establish himself as an elite fullback.
The 2018 move to the Sydney Roosters proved transformative. Tedesco immediately helped secure the club’s premiership, then stepped into the captaincy and led them to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 – scoring the winning try in the 2019 Grand Final. His representative honours followed, becoming a cornerstone of New South Wales in State of Origin and captaining Australia to Rugby League World Cup glory in 2021.
Beyond the field, Tedesco’s role as a father to two daughters has fundamentally shifted his perspective. “Family is everything now,” he shared in his story. “I want to be the role model I wish I had growing up – showing that success isn’t just about trophies, but about how you handle the tough times and lift those around you.”
Widely celebrated for his dynamic play, calm leadership and ability to perform under pressure, Tedesco’s story serves as a powerful reminder that greatness is forged not just in talent, but in resilience and the courage to keep pushing forward.
