James Tedesco Claims First Dally M Medal

The Roosters fullback was crowned the NRL’s player of the year while holding off Melbourne’s Cameron Smith.

Bookmakers had listed Tedesco the $1.40 favourite and he added to his season of silverware, having collected the Wally Lewis medal for being the best player in the State of Origin series as well as the Brad Fittler medal for the NSW Blues’ leading player.

If the Roosters win on Sunday and Tedesco is man of the match, he would become the first player in history to win the Wally Lewis Medal, Dally M, grand final and Clive Churchill in the same year.

“It would be good (to win the Clive Churchill),” Tedesco said. “We’ve got so many good players in our team, and if we do our job anyone could receive the award. Our goal is to win the game, and then congratulations to whoever can win that award.”

Regardless of his incredible season, Tedesco won’t let himself reflect until after the year is done. He still has Sunday’s grand final and two Tests to play for Australia against New Zealand and Tonga.

“After the grand final (I will have it sink in),” he said. “To win this (Dally M) medal it’s a massive achievement.

“But my focus is on Sunday and once that is all done hopefully we can celebrate as winners and look back on an enjoyable year.

“That’s been the focus all year … I have to play my best game of the year on Sunday.”

Roosters teammate Latrell Mitchell was named centre of the year, while fellow grand finalist John Bateman capped of a huge debut season in the NRL by being named second-rower of the season.