Standout performances against the Dragons, Titans and South Sydney have shot the young fullback into the spotlight and allayed any fears that 2012's season ending ACL injury would prevent him from reaching his potential. 2013 saw Tedesco spend most of the season playing solid and dependable football at the back, one thing was obvious though. His leg was still troubling him.
As was eventually revealed, Tedesco had been playing with a minor break in his leg but he was determined to push through for the then injury riddled Tigers. Fast forward to the opening rounds of 2014 and "Teddy" as he is affectionately called, has proven he's 100% fit again and crucially his searing pace has been rediscovered.
What we have seen so far in 2014 is that Tedesco possesses some attributes that are considered gold for fullbacks.
1. His pace has returned. Add to that pre-season sprint training and it's clear that he's back up to speed in this department.
2. His strength has improved out of sight. Perhaps a lot of this is down to him now reaching that so called 18 month period after his ACL injury (they say this is when most players fully recover from the injury and return to somewhere near their best).
With improved strength comes the opportunity to use his good footwork to better effect and that strength also allows him to take maximum advantage of his good instincts when taking men on. The end result being a player who is able to outpace defenders, more consistently out maneuver his opponent because of his improved agility and therefore use his overall strength to better effect.
Tedesco also possesses great ball skills and ability to read game situations very well. That's been highlighted by 3 try assists in the opening 3 weeks.
All this leads to a player who is dangerous for any opposition. Those above attributes give Tedesco a real x-factor about him in 2014. Some are already comparing him to a younger Billy Slater, in what he can bring to the Tigers attack. But it's also his blossoming combination with halfback Luke Brooks that is getting people talking.
Tedesco and Brooks appear to have an understanding between each other that is very hard to teach. It's one that seems to involve the duo reading each others mind, or it seems that way anyway. Tedesco's tries against the Titans and Rabbitohs highlighted this perfectly. It's hard to believe the pair have just 4 games experience alongside each other.
2013 stats - James Tedesco
Hit Ups: 49 (1st for WT's)
Offloads: 3 (tied 3rd WT's)
Tackle Busts: 21 (1st WT's)
Tries: 3 (2nd WT's)
Try Ast: 3 (3rd WT's)
Top Metres: 524m (1st WT's)
What the Wests Tigers now have is another serious attacking weapon to compliment captain Robbie Farah and young Luke Brooks. Add the experience of Braith Anasta and the Tigers appear to have a good balance to lead the team around the park effectively. 2014 could yet be more fruitful than previously thought.
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Mail is James Tedesco will Re-sign
Reports this morning indicate that fullback James Tedesco is getting close to agreeing a new deal with Wests Tigers. Triple M reported last night via Rugby League Week's "The Mole" that Tedesco and the Tigers could possibly announce the signing of the fullback around the time of next weekend's first Leichhardt Oval home game versus Manly. Whilst a lot could still happen in the next 7-10 days, it's at least comforting to know that things appear to be heading in the right direction.
You can click on the below Soundcloud clip to hear the full interview with Moley.
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