Australian · Melbourne, Australia · Born 31 July 1993Australian rugby league fullback and captain, renowned for his dynamic attacking play and leadership for club and country in the NRL and international rugby lea
Born in Menai, New South Wales, on July 31, 1993, to Italian immigrant parents, this future rugby league star developed his skills in the St. George junior system before being signed by the Wests Tigers as a teenager. His professional debut came in 2012 with the Tigers, where he initially played as a centre before transitioning to fullback, the position that would define his career. The fullback's career trajectory changed dramatically when he joined the Sydney Roosters in 2018. Under coach Trent Robinson, he became the cornerstone of one of the NRL's most successful teams, helping secure consecutive premierships in 2018 and 2019. His exceptional ball-playing ability, combined with his capacity to create tries from seemingly impossible positions, established him as the premier fullback in the competition. He added a third premiership with the Roosters in 2024, cementing his status among the club's greatest players. International recognition followed his club success, with Tedesco earning selection for New South Wales in State of Origin and representing Australia in numerous Test matches. His individual accolades include multiple Dally M Player of the Year awards, reflecting his consistent excellence at the highest level. Known for his exceptional positional play, explosive acceleration, and ability to break tackles in heavy traffic, he revolutionized the fullback position with his attacking flair and defensive reliability. Tedesco's impact on modern rugby league extends beyond statistics and trophies. His playing style has influenced how coaches utilize the fullback position, emphasizing the role as both last line of defense and primary attacking weapon. His consistency at international level and ability to perform in crucial moments have made him one of the defining players of his generation. As both a match-winner and team leader, he represents the evolution of the modern fullback into rugby league's most versatile position. Tedesco claimed another Dally M Medal in 2025, crowned the NRL's player of the year in a season that ended with Brisbane beating Melbourne 26-22 in the highest-rating Grand Final in history.
Being one of the world's premier rugby league fullbacks and NSW State of Origin captain
How They Played
Dynamic attacking fullback with excellent ball-handling skills, pace, and ability to create opportunities from the back
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the finest fullbacks of his generation with exceptional ball-playing skills and leadership qualities
Career Honours
- NRL Premiership 2019 (Sydney Roosters)
- NRL Premiership 2018 (Sydney Roosters)
- World Club Challenge 2019 (Sydney Roosters)
- World Club Challenge 2020 (Sydney Roosters)
- State of Origin 2018 (New South Wales Blues)
- State of Origin 2019 (New South Wales Blues)
- State of Origin 2021 (New South Wales Blues)
- Rugby League World Cup 2017 (Australia Kangaroos)
- Dally M Medal 2018 (NRL Player of the Year)
- Dally M Medal 2020 (NRL Player of the Year)
- Clive Churchill Medal 2019 (NRL Grand Final Player of the Match)
- Brad Fittler Medal 2019 (NSW Player of the Year)
- Brad Fittler Medal 2021 (NSW Player of the Year)
- Dally M Medal (2025)
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Roosters | 2018–2024 | 152 | 10 | #1 |
| Wests Tigers | 2013–2017 | 99 | — | — |
 Australia | — | 25 | — | — |
Australian Athletes