Tedesco expecting his best to come soon
JAMES Tedesco has hit back at claims he is struggling to fit into the high-expectation culture at the Roosters, declaring: “My best is yet to come”.
Tedesco has battled to produce his finest in the opening rounds, prompting suggestions he hasn’t found his feet at Bondi after spending the first seven years of his career at the Tigers, but the NSW Origin fullback believes he is edging closer to a complete performance.
“I wouldn’t say the culture, it’s more me getting used to a new team. It does take a bit of time,” Tedesco said. “I’ve got new players, structures and a new coach as well, so I’m just getting used to that.
“It’s just different, but I’ve really enjoyed the change coming to a club that has a really strong culture and a winning culture.
“I feel like I’m improving every week, feeling more comfortable and I’ll hit my full potential soon I hope.”
In a bid to reach his potential, Tedesco has studied video footage of club legend Anthony Minichiello during his prime years.
‘Mini’ was considered one of the NRL’s premier defensive fullbacks, a trait Tedesco wants to emulate at the Roosters.
“Mini has been awesome,” he said. “We’ll do video sessions on the game and he will give me a few tips. We actually watched a bit of footage of Mini from 2012.
“The way he worked from side to side on the line. It’s kind of hard to notice if you are not watching him, but when you watch his movements it’s something I definitely want to get to.”
Tedesco said coach Trent Robinson personified the Tricolours’ culture of hard work and perseverance.
“Robbo is a very smart coach,” he said. “That really helps my game, especially in defence and that’s one area I’ve been trying to focus on every week.”