Tedesco

[milanja]

It was the best performance I have ever seen from a fullback.

Big call, and off the top of my head, I can't think of one either. Slater is brilliant and has been that way most of his career, he has many moments of attacking brilliance, Mullins was the other fullback I loved watching run the ball. But defensively Tedesco was amazing.

[PeeGee]

Did anyone pick up on how stoked Tedesco was and looked being interviewed by Freddy after the game. A true rooster fan. And dare I say it, I reckon he'd come on board today if possible

[Waylander]

Diamond in the 2000 GF was an amazing defensive performance. If not for him we would have lost by a cricket score.

[rented tracksuit]

CONFESSION: I didn't think Tedesco was that good.

Finally after all those therapy sessions and last nights Teddy performance, I am over RTS leaving.

I have to agree. I wasn't sold until last night but now I'm hanging out for 2018.

To me, RTS wasn't the big loss from the end of 2015. I was more concerned with the loss of Jimmy. We had Latrell coming in to cover the back and he certainly showed he that he could become another RTS or better. I was amazed we moved him into the centers as I thought he would grow into a very talented and long term option at fullback but he has been amazing there with MG being solid at the back now. It's funny how the cards seem to have all fallen into place now with Teddy coming onboard. It's almost like the move for Latrell was done with some knowledge of Teddys imminent arrival.

[rented tracksuit]

Shyte yeah...

Bumbook did a 'could he be the best in the world if he plays well?' article before Origin. Everybody was like nah bro wait in line behind Darius Boyd, Moylan, Slater, GI...etc (somebody said he would struggle to be 7th best).

He's still got a lot to prove, but I think he's made a serious claim for the title with such a complete and ruthless performance. Can't wait to see how he develops with rep experience (and hopefully heightened confidence) + a better coach/culture at club level. Not dissing the Tigers as a brand, but I think he'll go a lot further with us. Reminds me of a pre-injury, modern-day Minichiello. Superb signing!!

From a team perspective, we're building a massive dynasty if we can replicate our Origin form on a regular basis. One that's exciting rather than the 'clinical' stars of this day...

Ism, taking last night as no fluke and he has great games in games 2 and 3, what happens later this year in the race for the Aussie #1?

[Kingbilly]

I loved watching Luke Phillips but no one has had a game at fullback like that in the last 40 years.
Not at that level especially. I have seen plently of great attacking fullback stuff but Tedesco was in the right place every time and did the right thing everytime.
I knew he was good, but that game was something special.

[stephenj]

im not a great student of backs but ive watched a lot of footy and teddys game was the best i can rember at fullback yes i was at the 2000grand final too

[ism22]

Ism, taking last night as no fluke and he has great games in games 2 and 3, what happens later this year in the race for the Aussie #1?

I reckon it will push the question of whether he should be FB for Australia.

My thinking right now is:
- GI is injured, but is probably the best
- Slater's the next best and if I were Walters, I'd be picking him for Origin 2... their backline was poor and needs a reshuffle
- Darius Boyd... I find him too mechanical. I sorta feel that just about anybody would be as good as him if Wayne Bennett had put them under his wing, made them train hard 24/7 for 15-20 years, taught them All the secrets/tactics about footy and given them all that rep experience. He's fit (like anybelite athlete) and has enough knowledge/experience that he can slot into elite teams very comfortably, but he won't win games for a struggling team. IMO it's like he can follow the successful Cronk/Smith/JT/GI/Slater recipe of footy (like any QLD'er) but he doesn't have any new/fresh ideas. The Knights summed him up for me... Gagai carves it up there, Boyd never did.
- Tedesco is like the opposite of Darius Boyd. He's played for a rubbish team his whole career, but that has kinda taught him to think outside the box and always keep his chin up. I feel he's fresh and hungry for success.
- Munster... when Slater's out he slots into the Storm without anybody noticing the difference. I'd pick him ahead of Darius...
- Gagai... not really a FB but another one who I'd pick before Boyd. A modern day FB needs x-factor.
- Hayne's now a better team player IMO, maybe his days of being THE dominant FB are over? I'd still consider him for the spot ahead of Darius Boyd :P
- Duges... another one I'd pick before Boyd. Message, seriously reconsider selecting Darius Boyd for Australia.

Overall I think a strong Origin showing should secure the Kangaroos FB spot for Teddy. I'll be cheering for NZ to upset us if Mal decides that the outgoing QLD seniors deserve one last world cup together (after failing at Origin level - which is a big if obviously).

If Teddy carves up in all 3 Origin games and QLD lose the series then I think Teddy (and a greater percentage of NSW players than usual) will have earned the right to play for a world cup. This would make Teddy the best in the world.

[Tommy Smith]

Boyd or Slater will be the Roos fullback for the World Cup. It doesn't matter what Teddy does. Mal will stick with his Maroons boys.

Also, Boyd is still a great fullback. Brilliant defensively and a great ball player. It's just that Teddy is better. No shame there.

But to suggest you'd prefer Gagai is a bit out there.

[ROC181]

I have to agree. I wasn't sold until last night but now I'm hanging out for 2018.

To me, RTS wasn't the big loss from the end of 2015. I was more concerned with the loss of Jimmy. We had Latrell coming in to cover the back and he certainly showed he that he could become another RTS or better. I was amazed we moved him into the centers as I thought he would grow into a very talented and long term option at fullback but he has been amazing there with MG being solid at the back now. It's funny how the cards seem to have all fallen into place now with Teddy coming onboard. It's almost like the move for Latrell was done with some knowledge of Teddys imminent arrival.

The same here. Had he had a few good years of success, even to the way SBW did, then you'd wish him well. But to be developed into that position and then go behind the clubs back, good riddance I say. I also agree about Maloney and watching that SOO again with Pearce was great...even though Keary is doing well and may improve much more in his second year, Jimmy's overall play, without the penalties is great.


I think RTS stands for 'don't let the door hit you on the way out'
Tedesco is and will be more successful than
We also should be bring Solo man back as a trainer, he deserves to retire here

[Johnny Tobin]

All of those defensive efforts - from the amazing try savers to the faultless positional play - are what make him a more complete fullback than Roger who can't seem to tackle a mannequin.

Teddy defending for Wests is just as bad as Roger for the Worriers.

[stephenj]

defending the roosters line is a much better use of his time, although i can see him do it for Australia soon to iff nsw win state of origin series? glad we got him ast the value price early on?
teddyd contract value will just continue to rise now

[Tommy Smith]

Teddy defending for Wests is just as bad as Roger for the Worriers.

Only this season where he seems to have lost his motivation.

Prior to that he's been awesome. I remember him pulling off an unbelievable try saver on Big Semi last year.

Teddy can't get out of that place soon enough. He looked so excited talking to the likes of Pearce and Cords on Wednesday night in the sheds.

[Johnny Tobin]

Only this season where he seems to have lost his motivation.

Prior to that he's been awesome. I remember him pulling off an unbelievable try saver on Big Semi last year.

Teddy can't get out of that place soon enough. He looked so excited talking to the likes of Pearce and Cords on Wednesday night in the sheds.

There's a great photo of the three of them and Fergo too embracing on the field. Imagine if we could get him now.

[BUDDY]