Forget 2024, Politis plans to make Tedesco a Rooster for life
The Sydney Roosters have confirmed James Tedesco will remain at the club until the end of 2024 - but Bondi heavyweights are already daring to dream about making arguably the world's best player a Tricolour for life.
Tedesco inked a three-year deal understood to be worth around $3.3m with the club he hailed as "the best in he world".
James Tedesco will remain at the Roosters until at least 2024.Credit:Getty
"We have the best teammates, best staff and best people," Tedesco said.
"We've had a lot of success over the last few years and I've played some of my best footy. I can't wait to make more memories.''
Roosters supremo Nick Politis played a key role in luring Tedesco away from the Wests Tigers three years ago, and has no intentions of seeing Tedesco go anywhere before he retires. The league-loving billionaire has a brilliant track record when it comes to getting what he wants with the players he loves.
'"He's very very valuable, and we're very proud to have him long-term," Politis said. "Hopefully he finishes his career with us."
James Tedesco in action earlier this year.Credit:Getty
Tedesco turns 28 next month and will be approaching 32 by the time his new deal expires. He dumped agent Isaac Moses and has been guided by good friend Joe Wehbe, who is yet to become an accredited agent but had someone broker the latest deal on his behalf. Despite being a free agent, Tedesco was never going to ditch the Roosters.
The Roosters only signed Joseph Suaalii last week to a two-year deal and see the teen rugby ace as a future fullback. But he has one of the greatest No. 1s to learn from for at least the next few years.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said of Tedesco's extension: "James is an integral member of our team, not just for the important role he plays on the field, but also for the important voice he is off the field as a senior member of our squad.
"We all love Teddy. He's a good person and its great news that he will continue to play his role here at the Roosters in the coming years.''
Tedesco, who was knocked out in Origin III last month, will return to training in the new year.
He took out the Roosters' Jack Gibson Medal for a third straight year as the club fell short of chasing a third premiership.
Tedesco's leadership will become even more important moving forward as Jake Friend and the Morris twins, Brett and Josh, enter the final years of their careers, not to mention the uncertainty surrounding the future of inspirational skipper Boyd Cordner.
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Christian covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.