James Tedesco's revelation about position switch amid Ryan Papenhuyzen links to Roosters
There's been speculation the Roosters could make a play for Papenhuyzen to shore up their future.
James Tedesco has revealed he's previously discussed a potential position switch with Roosters coach Trent Robinson, amid speculation the NRL club could be looking to lure Ryan Papenhuyzen back to Sydney. Papenhuyzen is officially a free agent for the 2026 season after rejecting a $200,000-per-year pay cut at the Melbourne Storm.
The Storm offered their fullback a $750,000-per-year contract extension, but he's instead decided to test his value on the open market. The 26-year-old has been linked to the Roosters, with Tedesco also currently without a contract past the 2025 season.
But Tedesco revealed on Wednesday that he's expecting to sign an extension in the coming weeks, and doesn't see himself leaving the club or retiring anytime soon. But the 31-year-old also admitted he floated the possibility of switching to five-eighth to coach Robinson if it would help the club snare another gun like Papenhuyzen to shore up the club's future in the position.
"I've chatted to Robbo maybe last year, I said I was willing to play in the halves or five-eighth, but I don't think it's going to happen," Tedesco said. "Stats wise, I had one of my best years.
"We (the media) are only taking about (succession planning with recruitment) because of age, whereas I don't see that as an issue. If things are dropping because of my age, I understand, but after the year I just had at 31, I know what my body's like, what my mentality is and my work rate. I'm not going to dip too much, that's just how I am."
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While the position switch might have once been an option, it appears as though the Roosters are sticking with Tedesco at fullback. It likely means the club isn't actively pursuing Papenhuyzen, and instead might turn their attention to Ben Hunt. With Sam Walker and Brandon Smith set to miss a large chunk of 2025 due to ACL injuries, Hunt is looming as an ideal target to play either halfback or hooker.
James Tedesco won't be leaving Roosters anytime soon
Tedesco said he doesn't have an age in mind that he wants to finish at, believing the fact he's fallen out of the NSW and Australia teams can prolong his club career. Tedesco was Blues and Kangaroos captain up until this year, when he lost his spot to Panthers star Dylan Edwards.
"The Origin period is very taxing mentally and physically. You're backing up after games so it does take a toll on your body," Tedesco said. "I felt this year I had those weeks off and I was playing some of my best footy. It definitely aligned there. People want to look at age but everyone's different. You look at some of the older players in the game, (Daly) Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, they're still going."
Robinson also admitted he doesn't see the need to start planning for Tedesco's eventual retirement. "I think Teddy will play for a few more years," he said. "There is no-one in their 20s (set to replace him), we've got a really young kid still at school who we think is a future in that position for us.
"We've signed him on that long-term deal, but that is four or five years away. There is no rush there with Teddy because we feel like he has more years left in him, and it would be nice to get a deal done soon to extend that."
with AAP
