Sydney Roosters captain and star fullback, James Tedesco, has responded firmly to the swirling rumors of his potential exit from the club. Speculation about his future has gained momentum recently, with some reports suggesting that Tedesco could be on the verge of leaving the Roosters. However, in a candid statement, the NRL icon has put these rumors to rest, insisting that his focus remains fully on helping his team and that any talk of his departure is premature.
In addressing the rumors, Tedesco made it clear that his decision to leave the Roosters will only come when he feels he can no longer contribute to the team’s success. “I will leave when I no longer feel I can help this team and when I feel my body can no longer compete,” Tedesco said. “All the exit rumors now are fake, but surely someday I will leave – just not now.”
Since joining the Sydney Roosters in 2018, Tedesco has become one of the most influential players in the NRL. His dynamic attacking play, coupled with his leadership on the field, has helped the Roosters secure back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019. Tedesco’s ability to control the game from the back, his tireless work ethic, and his consistency in both attack and defense have made him one of the premier fullbacks in rugby league.
Despite the team’s ups and downs in recent seasons, Tedesco remains a cornerstone of the Roosters’ squad, and his influence on younger players has been significant. His commitment to the club is unquestionable, and he has always made it clear that he has no immediate plans to walk away.
The speculation about Tedesco’s future likely stems from two main factors. Firstly, the Roosters’ recent push to develop younger talent, such as rising star Joseph Suaalii, has led some to wonder how long Tedesco will remain the face of the team. Suaalii’s rapid rise has prompted questions about the Roosters’ future plans for the fullback position, with some fans speculating that Tedesco could be phased out to make room for the young gun.

Secondly, like any high-profile player in the latter stages of their career, Tedesco is naturally the subject of transfer rumors, with rival clubs often being linked to him in the media. However, Tedesco has repeatedly stated that his heart remains with the Roosters and that any decisions about his future will be made with the club’s best interests in mind.
Although Tedesco has no plans to leave the Roosters anytime soon, he was candid about the fact that one day, his time with the club will come to an end. However, he emphasized that this decision will be based on his ability to perform at the highest level, rather than outside pressure or speculation.
“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer this team,” Tedesco explained. “When the time comes where I feel my body can’t keep up, or I’m not helping the team like I should, then I’ll know it’s time to walk away. But for now, I’m focused on helping us get back to the top and doing everything I can to win another premiership.”
Tedesco’s clear focus on contributing to the team’s success, combined with his determination to perform at his best for as long as possible, will be music to the ears of Roosters fans who feared he might be leaving sooner rather than later.
As one of the NRL’s most decorated players, Tedesco still has plenty to offer, and his commitment to staying with the Roosters for the foreseeable future will no doubt bolster the team’s hopes of returning to the top of the NRL ladder. With his wealth of experience, Tedesco continues to be a key figure in the Roosters’ lineup, leading by example on and off the field.
The Roosters, meanwhile, are going through a transitional phase, with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. Tedesco’s leadership will be vital as the team seeks to blend its experienced players with the new generation. His ability to guide players like Joseph Suaalii through their development while continuing to deliver world-class performances will be crucial to the Roosters’ success.
James Tedesco’s reassurance that he is not leaving the Sydney Roosters anytime soon will undoubtedly ease the minds of fans. While rumors will always swirl around a player of his stature, Tedesco has made it clear that his time at the club is far from over. His dedication to the Roosters and his desire to continue competing at the highest level suggest that fans will see Tedesco in the red, white, and blue for many seasons to come.
For now, Tedesco remains focused on the task at hand – leading the Roosters back to premiership glory.