The Sydney Roosters are reportedly moving quickly to re-sign captain James Tedesco, with a new deal likely to keep him at the club until the end of 2027 and see him finish his career in the tri-colours.
Although the veteran fullback is already contracted until the end of 2026, the Roosters are eager to lock in an additional year — plus an option — before the November 1 deadline, when rival clubs would be free to approach him.
Tedesco has been in outstanding form throughout 2025 and continues to play at a level few expected of a player turning 33 early next season with a maturity that has helped usher in a new era of Roosters youngsters.
The club is aware of growing interest from expansion franchise Perth Bears, who are building a roster for their inaugural 2027 season and see Tedesco as an ideal marquee signing to lead a new club along with cross code poaching raids such as teh reported R360 competition.
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Having already missed out on Jahrome Hughes, the Bears are also reportedly targeting the likes of Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen, but Tedesco’s availability remains a genuine threat — unless the Roosters act quickly.
With Kalyn Ponga off contract at the end of 2027, the fullback market is becoming increasingly high stakes, and the Roosters are eager to prevent Tedesco’s name from entering that same conversation.
Tedesco has made it clear in the past he’s happy in Sydney, and with a young family and nearly 200 games in the red, white and blue, the likelihood of him relocating to Perth appears slim — but not impossible.
The Roosters are also battling public criticism over their recruitment strategy earlier in the year, and missing the finals would only amplify pressure to ensure key players like Tedesco are retained.
The former Dally M winner joined the Roosters from Wests Tigers in 2018 and has since won two premierships, captained state and country, and cemented his place as one of the modern greats.
Despite a decorated career already behind him, his current form suggests there’s still plenty left in the tank — and few would doubt his ability to deliver at the top level for at least a couple more years.
The Roosters view Tedesco as central to their identity and spine going forward, and his re-signing would be a major step in stabilising the club as they prepare for what’s shaping as a highly competitive 2026 player market.
For Perth, it may be another near miss as they build from scratch — but the Tedesco situation also keeps the spotlight firmly on Ponga as the most high-profile fullback likley to hit the open market next year.
For now, the Roosters are working to ensure their captain stays put and ends his career where he became a champion — while warding off the rising threat of deep-pocketed rivals eager to make a splash.
The Roosters have unearthed a number of promising young players in 2025 but having a foundation of star veterans like Tedesco remains paramount in developing the stars of the future whilst continuing to compete for premierships.
If Tedesco is locked in, the Roosters will be a step closer to doing just that once again.