In a fiery press conference that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco has had enough. Frustrated by constant inquiries about the impact of injuries on the team’s title chances, Tedesco declared he is “sick and tired” of discussing the issue. His passionate remarks come in the wake of the Roosters’ disappointing 30-10 loss to Penrith, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s ability to contend for the championship.
The Roosters are now facing a daunting challenge as they must become just the fifth team this century to win the premiership after losing in the first week of the finals. With their semi-final against Manly on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tedesco’s defiance signals a determined mindset within the squad, even as they grapple with significant injuries to key players.
“We’re ready to fight back,” Tedesco asserted, addressing concerns about injuries that have plagued the team throughout the season. The absence of pivotal figures such as Sam Walker and Brandon Smith has led critics to question whether the Roosters’ title window is closing. Adding fuel to the fire is their dismal 1-19 record against rivals Melbourne and Penrith since 2020, a statistic that has left many doubting their capabilities.
When asked if injuries had diminished their chances to send veterans like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, and Joey Manu out as winners, Tedesco responded emphatically: “No.” He challenged the media narrative that has painted the Roosters as underdogs. “You guys aren’t in our four walls. Honestly, I am sick and tired of hearing about it from you guys. It’s all you talk about. Every time I do media, you talk about it.”
While Tedesco admitted that the team’s goal-line defense and handling were subpar in the loss to Penrith, he stressed that these issues were not fatal. “It wasn’t easy on the weekend, but top four gives us a second chance,” he explained. “We didn’t have to blow up the whole system and figure out a different one, which is what we would have to do with a Manu or another fullback.”
The return of Waerea-Hargreaves from suspension is expected to provide a significant boost, but the team still has to navigate the ongoing absence of several other key players. Tedesco’s comments reveal a deep-seated belief within the squad that they can overcome these challenges.
Luke Keary also defended the team’s performance, particularly in relation to the young halfback Sandon Smith, who stepped in after Walker’s injury. Keary insisted that the loss to Penrith should not fall solely on Smith’s shoulders or those of Connor Watson, who filled in as hooker. “To put the team under pressure with errors, penalties, and six agains—you do that against any team in the NRL and you are in trouble,” Keary remarked. “You do it against Penrith, and it is a death sentence.”
The critics have been relentless, with calls for Joey Manu to shift into the halves alongside Keary. Matt Johns has been vocal about this potential move, suggesting it would allow Manu to impose himself more on the game. However, Keary defended the current structure, emphasizing the importance of trust in Smith. “Inside the building, the trust in him is strong. We’ve seen what he can do,” he said. “He really suits the structure. We’ve attacked really well this year.”
As the Roosters gear up for their semi-final, Tedesco’s rallying cry has the potential to galvanize the squad. The Roosters have a storied history and are among the competition favorites, but they face skepticism from fans and analysts alike. The upcoming match against Manly is not just another game; it’s a chance for redemption and an opportunity to silence the critics who have written them off.
As the pressure mounts, the Roosters are determined to prove their doubters wrong. Tedesco’s fiery response is a reminder that, within their ranks, there is still immense talent and the hunger to succeed. The question remains: will the Roosters rise to the occasion, or will they fall short in their quest for glory? With the semi-final looming, all eyes will be on the Tri-colours as they aim to reclaim their place among the elite in the NRL.
