In a passionate plea to his former club, Sydney Roosters legend Boyd Cordner has stepped in to issue a stern warning about the potential departure of superstar fullback and captain, James Tedesco. As speculation grows over the Roosters’ plans for Tedesco’s future, Cordner, who captained the club to multiple premierships, believes letting the fullback go at the end of his contract in 2025 would be a grave mistake that could have long-term consequences for the Roosters.
Tedesco, 31, has been a cornerstone of the Roosters’ success since joining the club in 2017. However, as his contract nears expiration, rumors have surfaced that the Roosters may allow him to leave, citing concerns about his age and the need to refresh their roster with younger talent. But Cordner, who played 183 games for the Roosters and led the team to premiership victories in 2013, 2018, and 2019, says that age should not be a factor in the club’s decision, especially when dealing with a player of Tedesco’s caliber.
“I’ve been there with Teddy through the highs and lows. I’ve seen what he brings to the table every single day, and I can say without a doubt that letting him go would be a huge mistake,” Cordner told reporters. “You don’t let go of a player like him just because of age. His experience, leadership, and performance are still world-class, and any team would be lucky to have him.”
Cordner’s comments come as the Roosters face one of their most important decisions in years. With November 1 marking the beginning of the NRL’s free agency period, Tedesco could become a free agent if the club doesn’t offer him an extension soon. While Tedesco has expressed his desire to finish his career at the Roosters, the club is reportedly hesitant to commit to a long-term deal due to concerns about his durability as he enters the twilight of his career.
But Cordner, who knows what it takes to build and maintain a championship-caliber team, believes the Roosters are underestimating what Tedesco still has to offer.
“Teddy is one of those rare players who gets better with age. He’s an incredible professional, and the way he prepares himself physically and mentally means he can keep playing at the top level for years to come,” Cordner said. “This idea that once a player hits 30 they start to decline doesn’t apply to guys like him. If you’re serious about winning premierships, you keep him around.”
Cordner also warned the Roosters about the dangers of other teams, particularly Super League clubs, swooping in to make Tedesco a lucrative offer. With the potential for big money deals in England, Cordner believes the Roosters could find themselves in a situation where they lose their captain and leader to a rival competition if they don’t act quickly.
“There are Super League clubs that would break the bank to have Teddy in their squad. He’s got that international appeal and the experience to dominate in any league. The Roosters need to recognize that and secure him before it’s too late,” Cordner urged.
Tedesco has been vocal about his desire to finish his career with the Roosters, and Cordner sees this as an opportunity for the club to show loyalty to one of its most decorated players. With two premierships as captain and countless accolades to his name, Tedesco is not only a top-tier player but also the face of the Roosters’ brand.
“Loyalty goes both ways. Teddy has given everything to this club, and I believe the Roosters owe it to him to offer an extension. He’s still got plenty of good years ahead of him, and he deserves the chance to finish his career at the place he’s made his home,” Cordner said.
Cordner, who retired in 2020 due to ongoing concussion issues, understands the value of leadership and experience in a successful team. He believes that moving on from Tedesco would leave a massive void, not just in terms of performance, but in terms of the culture and identity of the Roosters.
“When you lose a player like Teddy, you’re not just losing his skills on the field, you’re losing the heart and soul of the team. He’s a leader, a role model, and a guy who lifts everyone around him. Replacing that is almost impossible,” Cordner said.
As the November deadline approaches, the pressure is on the Roosters to make a decision. Boyd Cordner’s message is clear: letting Tedesco walk away would be a mistake that could cost the Roosters both in the short term and in the years to come. With Super League clubs waiting in the wings and Tedesco still performing at an elite level, the Roosters must weigh their options carefully or risk losing one of the greatest players of the modern era.
Cordner’s warning has added fuel to the growing debate, leaving fans and experts alike wondering if the Roosters will heed the advice of one of their all-time greats or take the gamble of building a future without Tedesco at the helm.
