The Sydney Roosters have secured their captain and star fullback, James Tedesco, for another year, with a one-season contract extension reportedly worth $1 million. The deal keeps Tedesco at the club through the 2026 season, ensuring the 31-year-old will likely retire in red, white, and blue.
This contract is a significant win for the Roosters as they face a transformative off-season, losing key veterans like Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, and Joey Manu. Tedesco’s extension provides stability and leadership at a crucial juncture for the club.
Despite a stellar 2024 campaign, Tedesco faced challenges, notably losing his Blues No. 1 jersey to Dylan Edwards. However, his on-field performances reaffirmed his importance to the Roosters’ structure and culture.
“He’s as focused and as driven as ever,” coach Trent Robinson said. “I think we saw the physical state he was in last year. He’ll start almost exactly the same time as last year, a few weeks before Christmas.”
With Tedesco commanding a $1 million salary for his final years in the NRL, the Roosters are banking on his experience and leadership to guide the team through a critical rebuilding phase. As the 2025 season approaches, the pressure is on Tedesco to help the Roosters remain one of the NRL’s top contenders.