James Tedesco has declared he is only looking at the positives after being axed from Australia’s side ahead of their maiden Pacific Cup victory.
The former New South Wales and Kangaroos captain lost his position at fullback to Dylan Edwards in both representative sides this year, as the No.1’s star waned.
Yet Tedesco refused to be bitter about his omission from Mal Meninga’s side, focusing instead on the advantages it has handed him and the Sydney Roosters amid rumoured competition for his jersey.
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James Tedesco reflects on Aussie axing and Ryan Papenhuyzen links
"I feel very refreshed and ready to get back into training because I haven’t had much time off at this time of the year for a long time," Tedesco said.
"You’ve got to look at the positives. And the positives for me are; having time off, spending time with my family and getting my body rested.
"Everything happens for a reason, that’s how I look at it. I’m well recovered, body feels great and my mind is refreshed."
Tedesco had been an integral member of the Aussie set-up ever since debuting for his nation in 2018.
However, despite finishing in second place behind Jahrome Hughes in the Dally M voting, Meninga overlooked the incumbent skipper in favour of kickstarting a new period for the green and gold jersey.
This is something that will be somewhat mirrored in clubland for Tedesco in 2025 with vast changes made to the Roosters’ roster following the exits of a number of key players.
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"It’s the start of a new era for the club, on and off the field, which is exciting," Tedesco said.
"I’m going back to pre-season a little bit earlier and I need to. We’ve got a lot of young guys and a young squad for next year.
"So, it’s important for me to get back to training and lead the way."
Tedesco has hit the open market after entering into the final year of his deal in Bondi, with recent rumours of Ryan Papenhuyzen being courted by the Chooks refusing to die down.
However, the veteran - who has expressed his desire to prolong his career at the club in the past - refused to be drawn into any discussions around his or the Melbourne flyer's futures.
"I’m not going to talk about speculation," Tedesco stated.
"It’s just speculation and that’s all it is."
