James Tedesco: The Mindset that made him an NRL Great & the life he's building after footy
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How did James Tedesco decide to leave the West Tigers and join the Sydney Roosters?
James Sesco, welcome to Straight Talk, mate. Thanks for having me, Mart. It's been a long time to get you here, mate. Like uh Forty's not yeah, Forty's not that busy, I mean, surely.
It's the first time you've asked me, I said yes straight away. So Thanks, mate, I appreciate
it. So I uh I Remember? We knew you were at Belmane, West Tigers, and uh I remember sitting in Nick Politis' house apartment, and uh I think Robbo was there. Um, I don't remember if your manager was there manager was there. Nick was there, of course. And uh meeting this James I remember meeting this young guy called James Tedesco, w obviously it was you. And um and I found out that from Robbo that you were a a Camden boy you've got and I think Minnie Minnie was there, Minichello was there too. So can you go back to that time um when you first joined the Sydney Roosters. Can you remember and why you wanted to join the Roosters I mean, how does that process work? Why why did you decide to leave West Tigers?
Yeah, well, obviously I started my career with the Tigers in two thousand twelve and You know, for that whole six years I think we had four or five different coaches. We didn't make the eight. Um, there was a lot of instability I guess. Uh we had players come and go and I think I was when opportunity came to come to a club like the Roosters straight away. I mean I I went for the Roosters when I was a kid growing up. Oh really? Yeah, I was I played for Canor Rands, we had the same colour, so I was a Roosters fan, loved Freddy. Um, played with Minnie in the two thousand thirteen World Cup, which was a big high for me. I was nineteen years of age. Um mini was someone I sort of idolised. So um I definitely had that connection with the Russian and then I didn't think
An opportunity would come up, but it did. And I didn't want to sound too excited straight away but I was I was pretty You played your cards pretty close to your chest.
Well, yeah, I mean I was I was still I was yeah twenty four at that time and as I said there's a bit going on with the Tigers. Uh yeah, so me, Mitch and Brooksie, Woodsey they're talking about us trying to keep Buzz Four, then Mitch left. Uh then me and we all had the same manager at the time as well. So there's a lot a lot going on at that time and uh I said um Bulldogs and the Roosters were the two teams that went to I met with the Bulldogs as well. Uh went to their facilities and then I met with Roosters and heard about Nick Pliers, never met it, never seen him before and it was quite intimidating. Uh meeting him for the first time at his place in the city there and um I think I was I was pretty nervous but I remember just talking to Robo
Um, you know, having detailed conversations. He'd tell me about my game, what improvements he sees, where he sees my game going. Oh really? And that and straight away I was like, you know, that was the eye opener, like, wow, this could be a a great move for me. Obviously the club itself, I mean, look at the team they had, superstars, the rich history, you know, it was just a great opportunity. It wasn't the money, I think Tigers offered more money at the time. Um, but the opportunity to go to a successful club and have a chance to win.
wonder about that, the chance to win premiership and maybe pay Origin, etcetera. But you weren't at Origin at that you were at Origin at that point. Why is playing for Australia? Why is playing for Origin? And why is it winning a a grand final? Why is that a b a big decider?
They're the pinnacles I think of uh rugby league playing the NRL. I think as a kid you you grow up uh wanting to live the dream of playing NRL, that's the first one. Then you're watching Origin as a kid, New South Wales, you're like you're watching the the build up, uh everyone talking about it, the um the energy that's in the playing Origin, y you watch the game, it's a battle for eighty minutes and you're like, I want it That's the pin 'cause I want to play for that. And then playing for Australia, well That's a chance to represent your country and that's the highest level that you can represent.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
How did James Tedesco decide to leave the West Tigers and join the Sydney Roosters?
0:00–7:45
2
What mindset work did James start after his early injuries and how has it shaped his career?
7:45–17:10
3
How does James stay mentally present and manage self‑doubt during high‑pressure games like State of Origin?
17:10–24:52
4
What does James’ daily physical recovery routine look like and why is it important for his longevity?
24:52–32:27
5
How has James’ family life and marriage influenced his preparation and performance on the field?
32:27–38:40
6
What new business ventures is James pursuing after his playing career and how is he learning the trade?
38:40–45:22
7
What leadership role does James play in organising the Roosters’ defensive structure as a fullback?
45:22–52:44
8
What advice does James give to young athletes about consistency, hard work, and staying motivated?
52:44–56:02
Speakers
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