James Tedesco has joined Johnathan Thurston as the one four-time winner of the gamers’ champion award, after being voted the NRL’s greatest participant of 2025 by his friends.
Tedesco, 32, was on Monday handed his first main participant gong of the season, with the Sydney Roosters fullback additionally the clear frontrunner for Wednesday night time’s Dally M Medal.
A earlier gamers’ champion in 2017, 2019 and 2022, Tedesco beat out Harry Grant, Payne Haas, Isaiya Katoa and Ethan Unusual for the award.
In doing so, he joined Thurston on the prime of the tree, with the Rugby League Gamers’ Affiliation (RLPA) prime gong having been awarded since 2004.
“For James to be on a par with Johnathan Thurston on 4 Gamers’ Champion awards is a unprecedented achievement,” RLPA chief Clint Newton stated.
“JT is likely one of the biggest of all time, and Tedesco belongs in that firm.
“Whereas JT performed a unique place, they share the identical fearlessness involved, working at defensive strains, and an unwavering 80-minute mentality.
“These are qualities gamers respect, and why each have been honoured 4 instances.”
Tedesco’s feat is made much more outstanding contemplating no participant aside from he or Thurston has received the award greater than as soon as.
And there’s a respectable argument that Tedesco’s 2025 might have been his greatest season, even topping his 2019 when the Roosters No.1 swept virtually each award obtainable to him.
One yr on from being dropped by NSW and Australia, Tedesco led the NRL for sort out busts, runs and metres in 2025.
He additionally arrange 22 tries, serving to take an inexperienced Roosters facet to the finals after being written off by one and all early within the season.
“Few gamers can lead and play like James, inside construction, but additionally be a harmful and instinctive eyes-up footballer,” Newton stated.
“He embodies what it means to assault the sport relentlessly and by no means take the foot off the pedal.”
Tedesco has performed 14 seasons within the NRL after making his debut for Wests Tigers in 2012.
The Gamers’ Champion is voted on by all gamers on a 3-2-1 foundation for his or her MVP of the NRL season. Gamers are unable to vote for his or her teammates.
The RLPA will announce the NRLW Gamers’ Champion later within the week.
2025 RLPA NRL Gamers’ Dream Group
Fullback: James Tedesco
Wingers: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Xavier Coates
Centres: Stephen Crichton, Herbie Farnworth
5-Eighth: Ethan Unusual
Halfback: Isaiya Katoa
Props: Payne Haas, Joseph Tapine
Hooker: Harry Grant
Second Rowers: Eliesa Katoa, Hudson Younger
Lock: Erin Clark
Impression: Kurt Mann
2025 RLPA NRLW Gamers’ Dream Group
Fullback: Tamika Upton
Wingers: Taina Naividi, Payton Takimoana
Centres: Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson
5-Eighth: Patricia Maliepo
Halfback: Tarryn Aiken
Props: Rima Butler, Otesa Pule
Hooker: Emma Manzelmann
Second Rowers: Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps
Lock: Olivia Kernick
Impression: Shalom Sauaso
AAP
