James Tedesco’s stunning form this season for the Roosters did surprise some footy fans given he turned 32 in January.
‘Teddy’ won the Dally M medal earlier this month to cap off a scintillating individual campaign for the Tricolours – and now it can be revealed how the fullback took his game to new heights in what was supposed to be the twilight of his career.
His attention to detail and willingness to improve are hallmarks of his game – and on Friday, Tedesco posted an Instagram story showing him training in his off-season – and his recovery rate told the story.
The former NSW Blues and Kangaroos no.1 boasted an impressive heart rate variability – and his resting heart rate and respiratory rate figures were also excellent.
It comes as Tedesco prioritised his family over football by withdrawing from the Kangaroos squad last month ahead of the Ashes series in the United Kingdom.
He informed ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys he wouldn’t be on the plane as he instead chose to be best man at his brother’s wedding.
‘I’ve been thinking about it (withdrawing) for a while, but the thought of missing (the wedding) would have weighed on me a lot more than missing a couple of games for Australia,’ Tedesco said.
‘It hasn’t been an easy decision, but I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders (that he doesn’t go to England).
‘I’ve also got to get stem cells in my knee which is a six to eight week recovery process, and I want to get that done (soon) to be ready for January.’
Tedesco – who also won the Dally M medal in 2019 – played in all 25 games this year for the Roosters, finishing with 22 try assists and 21 line breaks.
He acknowledged his form has dipped at times in recent years, but that certainly wasn’t the case in 2025.
‘I’m at a different point in my life, part of my career,’ Tedesco said after collecting the individual honour.
‘I’ve had a lot of critics and doubters the last couple of years so to be back on this stage winning this medal is a proud achievement for myself.’
The veteran was also named Fullback of the Year and Captain of the Year.
Tedesco led a young Roosters side to the finals, despite many experts predicting the club would miss the eight following the departure of a host of stars at the end of 2024, notably Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu, Luke Keary and Wallabies recruit Joseph Suaalii.
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