For James Tedesco, over the past seven years September has meant one thing.
“Partying,” he says, when asked what he’s usually doing this time of year.
The Sydney Roosters and NSW fullback star got his first taste of finals football in his side’s NRL qualifying final win over Cronulla on Saturday night.
After six years at the Wests Tigers, in which he was reduced to a spectator during the finals, Tedesco rose to the occasion at Allianz Stadium.
He set up two tries, including Daniel Tupou’s crucial go-ahead four-pointer in the 57th minute, as well as running for 227 metres.
September has usually been equated with revelry for the classy No.1 and now he’s dreaming of a celebration of a different kind.
Instead of planning for Mad Monday, he’s got designs on a premiership victory party.
“It was definitely a step above, sort of like Origin footy out there and I loved every minute of it,” Tedesco said after his first finals game.
“It was definitely worth (the wait), just to be in this position at a great club and being only one game away from the grand final, it’s what we play footy for.
“The Roosters are a strong club, the team we’ve got here, we’ve got a chance to take it all the way. This is one step forward.”
Tedesco and fellow blue chip recruit Cooper Cronk took a while to adapt to the Roosters system and the side sat in seventh spot at the half-way mark of the season.
However, from round 12 onwards, they’ve dropped just three games on their way to claiming the minor premiership.
And Tedesco has been at the forefront.
After a stellar State of Origin series, he now has his sights set on the Australia fullback jumper.
Tedesco engaged in a battle with Cronulla’s Valentine Holmes and came away with a points victory against one of his main rivals for Billy Slater’s green and gold No.1 jersey.
And a premiership ring will go a long way to swaying the opinion of Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga and selectors.
“I think (a Kangaroos debut) is definitely a goal but for me it’s about taking it one game at a time,” Tedesco said.
“If I’m playing my best game for the Roosters, opportunities like that will come.”
