People keep writing me off: Dally M winner Tedesco

James Tedesco has declared his best football could still be ahead of him, after defying his critics to sweep to his second Dally M Medal this season.

Tedesco joined some of the game’s absolute elite in becoming a multiple-winner of the Dally M on Wednesday night, after one of the most lopsided counts in history.

The Sydney Roosters fullback finished with 67 points, some 22 clear of the next closest in Nathan Cleary at the end of the regular season.

When Tedesco last won the award in 2019, he was widely considered the best player in the world while winning premierships and State of Origin series.

But this year’s Dally M comes in far different circumstances, after he’d been dropped as both NSW and Australian Test fullback last year.

The 32-year-old has responded with one of the best seasons of his career, prompting a Kangaroos recall for the Ashes before he withdrew this week, deciding instead to be best man at his brother’s wedding.

“I’ve never really felt like my performances or seasons have dipped much,” Tedesco said.

“In 2023, there was a lot of external talk. I probably wasn’t at my highest performance. But my routine and my mentality doesn’t really change.

“I know I am getting older, but my body is feeling as good as ever.

“If I keep fresh every week and I am still enjoying the game, then who knows how long I can play for.

“People keep writing me off and thinking I am going to retire soon. But that drives me to try and be the best version of myself and keep improving.

“I still think my best footy can still be ahead of me.”

Tedesco credited multiple two-hour massages he receives weekly to keep his body in shape, while noting his life has changed significantly since his last Dally M in 2019.

Wednesday night’s ceremony was his first night out with wife Maria since the birth of their second daughter Marlie.

Tedesco’s prize came after he only missed out on last year’s Dally M by one point to Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes.

The fullback now only operates in one-year deals with the Roosters, but is expected to start talks on an extension into 2027 soon with no end in sight.

The No.1 was also named Dally M captain of the year, after helping take a Roosters side that lost more than 1000 games of experience last off season to the finals.

“Losing a lot of older experienced guys, you tend to rely on them sometimes,” Tedesco said.

“I didn’t have anyone to rely on so I put the ownership on myself to perform.

“But there is also a balance to that, letting the young guys express themselves and perform. And then not overplaying, which I have been guilty of in the past.

“It was a good learning curve and I felt like I had a good balance this year of leading by example but giving these young guys confidence to go out and play their game.”

Tedesco’s win was one of several for the Roosters.

In Wednesday night’s gala ceremony at Randwick Racecourse, Tedesco polled 67 points to put him well ahead of Nathan Cleary (45), Isaiya Katoa and Payne Haas (both 44).

Mark Nawaqanitawase named on the wing and awarded try of the year, while Robert Toia was voted best rookie.

Canberra’s Ethan Strange was the other player to take home a number of prizes, with the headline one being Dally M five-eighth of the year.

The youngster was also awarded the tackle of the year for his try-saver on Connor Tracey against Canterbury in round 10.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was named coach of the year for the first time since 2016, while Canberra won the headline moment for their Miracle in Mudgee against Penrith.

Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf was the hard luck story of the night. He was close to level with Tedesco when he ruptured his ACL in round 17.

DALLY M TEAM OF THE YEAR:

James Tedesco (capt), Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Stephen Crichton, Xavier Coates, Ethan Strange, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Payne Haas, Eliesa Katoa, Hudson Young, Erin Clark. Coach: Ricky Stuart

DALLY M LEADERBOARD:

James Tedesco 67

Nathan Cleary 45

Isaiya Katoa 44

Payne Haas 44

Blayke Brailey 42

Tom Dearden 42

Reece Walsh 41

Luke Metcalf 40

Daly Cherry-Evans 39

Will Kennedy 37

In other Dally M news, Tamika Upton has written herself into the history books with the Brisbane superstar becoming the first two-time winner of the Dally M Medal in the NRLW.

MULTIPLE DALLY M WINNERS:

4 – Johnathan Thurston

3 – Andrew Johns

2 – Peter Sterling, Gavin Miller, Michael Potter, Cliff Lyons, Jarryd Hayne, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, James Tedesco