Tedesco in tears after colossal game in grand final win
Roosters captain James Tedesco is overcome by emotion.
James Tedesco, captain of Sydney Roosters, was named the 2026 NRL grand final's player of the match with the Clive Churchill Medal. The match saw the Roosters triumph over Newcastle Knights with a final score of 19-18. It marked Tedesco's third premiership overall, but his first as a team captain. The 385-meter run by Tedesco was the highest by any player in an NRL finals match.
Tedesco was instrumental in the match's final minutes, pulling off two crucial kick receptions. Retired Parramatta player Peter Sterling presented the medal to Tedesco, who expressed gratitude to teammates and supporters.
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