12 months after falling short by a single vote, Roosters star James Tedesco has gone one better this year, collecting his second Dally M Player of the Year medal with a resounding victory.
Tedesco polled 67 votes, 22 more than runner up Nathan Cleary (45) with Isaiya Katoa and Payne Haas (44) next best.
It’s a remarkable achievement from the 32-year-old, who also won Fullback of the Year and Captain of the Year to cap a stellar night.
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It’s been six years between drinks for Tedesco, who first won the NRL’s top individual gong back in 2019.
Since, it hasn’t all be smooth sailing. Tedesco lost his spot as the Blues and Kangaroos fullback and after some indifferent form in 2023, many wondered just how many good years Tedesco had left in the NRL.
However, he roared back into form last year, finishing one point behind 2024 Dally M winner Jahrome Hughes.
Speaking with Fox League’s Braith Anasta after being announced as the winner, Tedesco mentioned the “critics and doubters” he proved wrong.
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“It’s a different point of my life and career (from 2019). I’ve probably had a lot of critics and doubters the last couple of years so I guess to be back on this stage and winning this medal is a proud achievement for myself,” Tedesco said.
“I really enjoyed this season. The players we had, the players we lost. I enjoyed being the leader of this team and running us out each week.”
Once again, Cleary fell short of a maiden Dally M medal, but as Tedesco noted, the fact the fullback didn’t play Origin this year might have helped him hold off the Panthers halfback.
“It helps not playing Origin. Nath missed lots of games through Origin, and I played every game which definitely helps me score more points,” Tedesco said.
The Roosters star had several people he wanted to thank, including coach Trent Robinson, his teammates and the club.
Tedesco also paid gratitude to his physical therapist and manager for the “crucial” role they’ve played in keeping him at his best at 32.
But the biggest thanks was reserved for his wife, Maria.
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“The biggest change in my life the last couple of years is being a father now and the home balance I have of going to work and doing my thing,” Tedesco said.
“Honestly my wife (Maria) does everything for me and the kids. She allows to be at my best and allows me to come home and not think about footy. Without Maria’s support, love, care and everything she does for me, I wouldn’t be able to perform at my best every week.
“I love her so much, she’s the best mother. She just had a baby six weeks ago so it’s a really special time for the family.
“Maria, I couldn’t do what I do without tou. You’re the best mum in the world. These last couple of years being a father have been the best years of my life, seeing you as a mother as well.”
To end his speech, Tedesco left some words of encouragement to the younger generation coming through the game.
“Just want to encourage any kids out there with big dreams to play in the NRL one day to chase your dreams. There will be setbacks but with a great mindset you can achieve anything you want,” Tedesco said.
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