Tedesco adamant he and Suaalii can co-exist at Roosters

James Tedesco has hit back at suggestions the Sydney Roosters need to choose between him and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, adamant they can star in the same backline.

JAMES TEDESCO.
JAMES TEDESCO. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

James Tedesco insists he and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii can thrive in the same Sydney Roosters' backline, declaring he wants to play out his career at the NRL club.

The Roosters duo are both contracted until the end of 2024, after teenage sensation Suaalii took up an option to stay with the club beyond this season.

That has prompted speculation the Tri-colours may have to make a call between the pair, with Tedesco the game's premier fullback and Suaalii seen as a long-term No.1.

The 19-year-old also starred in the role at last year's World Cup for Samoa, after choosing to play at No.1 for the Pacific nation over being part of the Kangaroos squad.

Tedesco is, however, adamant the threat of having Suaalii and Joseph Manu as roving centres and himself at the back makes the Roosters more potent.

When asked if he believed they could co-exist in the same backline long-term, the Roosters captain replied: "One hundred per cent."

"I don't think anyone wants to leave the club. Especially myself, I want to stay for as long as I can," he said.

"Having guys like Suaalii and Joey Manu outside me, our spine is pretty dangerous for our team.

"And if we can get us all together playing for many years to come, I think it is really beneficial for the club."

Tedesco's management have approached the Roosters seeking an extension, with the 30-year-old indicating last month he still believed he was in his prime.

By Monday night, the Roosters were close to agreeing to the deal that would lock in the star fullback until at least the end of 2025.

By that point Tedesco would be almost 33 years old.

"Of course I want to finish my career here but there is no rush," Tedesco said.

"I have two years left on my contract, I am happy with where I am at at the moment. I'm enjoying my career here so far at the Roosters."

The Roosters are also set to confirm the signing of Parramatta enforcer Nathan Brown, who has been on the outer at the Eels since midway through last year.

Brown is unlikely to beat a hamstring injury in time to face South Sydney on Friday night, but will add starch to a Roosters pack missing Matt Lodge, Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua and Connor Watson.

"He's been messaging me non-stop. I think he is pretty excited to get here," Tedesco said of his former Wests Tigers teammate.

"He adds a lot of experience. He thickens up our middles. He's had a hard time the last couple of years.

"To have him at the club will be a big benefit for us."