2:01 Phil Clarke says coach Trent Robinson is the reason behind Sydney Roosters’ recent success
“I was shocked. That was my first pre-season with first grade. Tim Sheens gave me the nod that I was going to be full-back. I had a big year ahead and was excited, and then it all came crashing down pretty quickly.
“The next two or three years I had around six surgeries. I broke my kneecap, had ankle surgery, broke my jaw, shoulder surgery. I was going through a rough period where I didn’t know if I was going to get through a game without being injured, or if I was really cut out for the NRL.”
In 2014, Tedesco was on the comeback trail after yet another operation, but he was racked by doubts over whether his body could handle the rigours of the NRL.
He decided to seek a mentor, which proved one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
“He addressed all the mental stuff, that doubt that I thought I had,” said Tedesco. “Just talking about that openly and understanding why I had it, and how I can overcome it.
“I still speak to him a few times a week during the year, before a game, and just about life in general.
“Having that sort of person to talk to about any issues I have, or am going to have, is awesome for me. It has shown a big difference in my footy career and my life in general.
“You probably don’t realise when you’re a young kid, how much the mental side affects you. Going through those tough times and finding someone to talk to about it, it has definitely helped me.
“I’m sure a lot of sportspeople, and people in general, can relate to that.”
Tedesco played every game of the 2015 season, finishing tied for third in the tryscoring charts with 17, and since then he hasn’t looked back.
A two-time State of Origin winner with New South Wales, Tedesco has also won back-to-back NRL titles with Sydney Roosters and last season won the Dally M Medal.
The Roosters will attempt to retain the World Club Challenge when they face St Helens on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action, and focus then shifts towards attempting to become NRL premiers for the third year in succession.
St Helens vs Sydney Roosters
February 22, 2020, 7:00pm
Live on
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“We know it’s going to be a different journey,” said Tedesco. “We’re going to have to do things differently and work harder.
“We all enjoy that challenge of being the premiers, being the best, and everyone wants to knock us off.
“We all back each other and have faith in each other. If people want to come after us, we’ll do a good job.”
Sourse: skysports.com
