Superstar Roosters fullback James Tedesco has capped off a remarkable season with yet another award to add to his trophy cabinet.
Tedesco was today announced as the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Players’ Champion winner for 2025.
Teddy makes it 4 🏆🏆🏆🏆
— RLPA | Rugby League Players Association (@RLPlayers) September 29, 2025
James Tedesco, the Players’ Champion for 2025, as voted by NRL players 🤝
Don’t miss it! Tune in to 100% Footy tonight on @nrlonnine for Teddy’s exclusive interview on his famous award win.
Read more here📲 https://t.co/4il1vtvHwE pic.twitter.com/2phEoK7Cew
The RLPA award is voted on by NRL players and is the fourth time Tedesco has taken home the honour, having previously won in 2017, 2019, and 2022.
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“James has again shown the brilliant player he is physically, skill-wise, and mentally. Expectations for James are always high, and despite constant questions being asked of him in recent seasons, he’s answered them by continuing to elevate his game,” RLPA CEO Clint Newton stated.
“In 2025, we saw how damaging he remains. James’s ability to break games open and slice through defensive lines was as sharp and destructive as ever. He may be 32, but he is still playing with the same explosiveness, elite support play, and composure as his team’s leader,” Newton added.
The Roosters fullback is now equal with rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston as the only players to have won the award four times since its inception in 2004.
Tedesco beat out finalists Harry Grant, Payne Haas, Isaiya Katoa, and Ethan Strange to take home the accolade.
Despite the Roosters being bundled out in the first round of the NRL finals, Tedesco had one of his best seasons. In 25 games, “Teddy” scored 11 tries, made 21 line breaks, and set up teammates with 22 try assists.
When Dally M voting went behind closed doors, Tedesco was also well positioned to make a run at winning that also and is widely tipped as the favourite to take out that award in October.
Tedesco's form has also now given hope to resurrection of his representative career with a chance at returning to the Kangaroos lineup next month.
With how well he finished the season, there is little doubt more awards are likely to follow, possibly including the prestigious Dally M Medal for 2025.