Tedesco scorches field to win second Dally M Medal
Scott Bailey |
James Tedesco’s return to the top of the NRL is complete after romping to his second Dally M Medal in the most lopsided vote count in a decade.
On a night of utter dominance, Tedesco finished 22 points clear of his nearest rival to take the game’s top individual prize for 2025.
The Roosters No.1 was also named captain and fullback of the year, signalling he is still playing at his best despite being dropped by NSW and Australia last year.
The fullback’s haul came one day after he reluctantly withdrew from the Kangaroos squad for the Ashes to be best man at his brother’s wedding, after earning a recall.
Tedesco’s 2019 season is widely considered one of the finest of this era, with the fullback winning almost every award available to him that season.
But this year could well go down as better after leading a Roosters outfit that lost close to 1000 games of NRL experience last summer.
“It’s been a long time since 2019, lots has happened, lots of ups and downs. But I am really proud to be wearing this medal tonight,” Tedesco said.
“I don’t know if it means more (than the first Dally M), it’s a different part of my career.
“I am just really proud to be back here winning the highest honour in the game.”
With six points on offer for the best player in each match, Tedesco’s three-and-a-half game gap at the top was the biggest since Johnathan Thurston’s win in 2015.
“The others got rested at the end of the year, Nathan (Cleary) missed games through Origin. It all plays its part,” Tedesco said.
“The best thing I can do is be available for every game. I didn’t miss any games through injury or anything else.
“To play every game at my age of 32 playing the way I do, that is a proud achievement for me. And that’s when these honours come off the back of that.”
Tedesco’s win was one of several for the Roosters.
In Wednesday night’s gala ceremony at Randwick Racecourse, Tedesco polled 67 points to put him well ahead of Nathan Cleary (45), Isaiya Katoa and Payne Haas (both 44).
Mark Nawaqanitawase named on the wing and awarded try of the year, while Robert Toia was voted best rookie.
Canberra’s Ethan Strange was the other player to take home a number of prizes, with the headline one being Dally M five-eighth of the year.
The youngster was also awarded the tackle of the year for his try-saver on Connor Tracey against Canterbury in round 10.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was named coach of the year for the first time since 2016, while Canberra won the headline moment for their Miracle in Mudgee against Penrith.
Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf was the hard luck story of the night. He was close to level with Tedesco when he ruptured his ACL in round 17.
DALLY M TEAM OF THE YEAR:
James Tedesco (capt), Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Stephen Crichton, Xavier Coates, Ethan Strange, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Payne Haas, Eliesa Katoa, Hudson Young, Erin Clark. Coach: Ricky Stuart
DALLY M LEADERBOARD:
James Tedesco 67
Nathan Cleary 45
Isaiya Katoa 44
Payne Haas 44
Blayke Brailey 42
Tom Dearden 42
Reece Walsh 41
Luke Metcalf 40
Daly Cherry-Evans 39
Will Kennedy 37
AAP
