Trent Robinson hits back amid Phil Gould's startling call on James Tedesco
An underwhelming season from the Roosters captain has thrown his rep footy future into question.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has leapt to the defence of James Tedesco, amid suggestions the club's captain should lose his spot as Australia's No.1. Veteran commentator and respected NRL icon Phil Gould this week tipped Tedesco to lose his Kangaroos jersey, despite the 30-year-old captaining Australia and leading the nation to a World Cup triumph in 2022.
An underwhelming season from the Roosters captain in 2023 has thrown his rep footy future into question, with Tedesco's NSW Origin spot also under scrutiny after the Blues' series defeat to Queensland. Tedesco's patchy form for the Roosters has also mirrored the side's inconsistencies in 2023, with Robinson's 12th-placed side needing a minor miracle to play finals footy.
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Gould argued that the bulk of the players picked in the Kangaroos' squad for their end of season Tests - particularly in key positions such as Tedesco's - should come from teams playing in the finals. The veteran commentator said players like Penrith's Dylan Edwards, Broncos star Reece Walsh and Knights captain Kalyn Ponga were all vying for Tedesco's Kangaroos jersey and predicted a "changing of the guard" for the national side.
"I think that the Australian team at the end of the year will be looking for players who went deep into the finals and were playing regularly, rather than having a six-week or eight-week break and then going into representative football... Probably the premiership winners and grand final winners will make up the bulk of the side," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
"....I think that brings the new blood, your Dylan Edwards and your Reece Walsh, into play. There might be a changing of the guard there, I think."
Roosters coach goes in to bat for James Tedesco
However, Robinson warned critics not to write off Tedesco just yet. In a bullish response to the discussion around the fullback's representative future, Robinson also suggested the Roosters were still a chance of making the finals - even if they realistically have to win all four of their remaining games and hope other results go their way as well.
Robinson says there is time for Tedesco to reassert his international credentials and he believes the 30-year-old should be given the right to fight for his jersey. "He had the same thing with NSW. People are going to have their opinions and that's fine," the Roosters coach said.
"Selections will come up at some point but the race isn't over. He's still our Australian captain. He lifted the trophy (at last year's World Cup). There's some games to be played to still fight for that jersey. Let's give him that opportunity."
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga and fellow Australia selector Darren Lockyer have both indicated that Tedesco has earned the right to keep his No.1 jersey, particularly after last year's World Cup triumph. Australia is expected to play a tri-series with New Zealand and Samoa at the season's end, though the NRL is yet to confirm details.
The Roosters' bid to play finals continues at home on Saturday against the Dolphins, who scored a famous upset win over the Tri Colours in the club's first ever NRL game in March. The match will mark five-eighth Luke Keary's 200th NRL game, with the fairytale return of prop Dylan Napa providing the Roosters and Tedesco with even more motivation.
with AAP
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