Queensland, beware.
James Tedesco turned in another sizzling performance in his final game before the State of Origin opener to lead the Roosters to victory over the Sharks on Saturday night.
Cronulla piled on three consecutive tries in the second half to make Tricolours mentor Trent Robinson sweat in his Shark Park coaches’ box, but the Roosters responded with back-to-back tries late to secure a 36-16 triumph.
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Tedesco was the orchestrator of the win, carving out 240 run metres, two linebreaks, two try assists and a try of his own to send the Maroons an ominous warning ahead of the June 8 opener.
The 2019 Dally M medallist also produced a gorgeous flick pass in the 28th minute to set up a Nat Butcher try.
“The leadership of James Tedesco – well, obviously Origin’s around the corner,” said Wests Tigers legend Benji Marshall on the Fox League coverage.
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“His leadership’s been the constant throughout the Roosters’ season, how well he’s played.
“I thought his support play through the middle was outstanding.”
Tedesco, who’s bagged seven tries from his last five games, will again play at fullback and captain New South Wales as they aim to defend their 2021 series win.
NSW coach Brad Fittler will name a 22-man squad at the completion of Indigenous Round on Sunday night.
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