James Tedesco could add another trophy to his ever-filling cabinet after being nominated for the Players’ Champion award.
Tedesco was one of five finalists revealed on Friday for the players’ union’s main prize, alongside Melbourne’s Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster, Brisbane’s Payne Haas and the Warriors’ Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
If the Sydney Roosters fullback does claim the award on Monday week, it will add to the Dally M Medal he won on Wednesday night and his Brad Fittler and Wally Lewis Medals from State of Origin.
Tedesco also claimed last season’s Jack Gibson medal for the Roosters’ player of the year and Harry Sunderland medal for the corresponding Kangaroos’ honour.
He is also a favourite for the Clive Churchill Medal in Sunday’s grand final against Canberra, giving him the chance to complete rugby league’s grand slam.
“The year he had last year was amazing, so to think he can top that is just mind-blowing,” Roosters captain Boyd Cordner said.
“You see all the flashy stuff, but us as a team we respect what he does off the ball and in defence for us.
“He’s a special talent Teddy. He works very hard. He is very driven and knows what he wants. We’re very happy to have him here at the Roosters.
“He’s 26. He’s still young in terms of a footy career. But his maturity speaks volumes with how hard he works.
“He loves his footy and is a great player and always wants tow in.”
Tedesco won the Rugby League Players’ Association award in 2017, but has had a far-superior year this season.
Headed into Sunday’s decider, he leads the NRL for linebreaks (29), tackle busts (134) and average run metres (188) while also scoring 17 tries.
“I’ve given (all the trophies) to mum and dad and taken them back home,” Tedesco revealed this week.
“I don’t want to leave them all at my house.
“They’ve got plenty of room at Menangle, plenty of spare room. I’m sure they will get something together and put all the trophies in.”