James Tedesco opens up about his future with the Sydney Roosters

The 19-year-old will move to the middle in 2023 but Robinson has shown in the past he can use the likes of Manu to terrorize opposition defences.

Asked about Suaali’i’s future, Tedesco said, “I don’t think I need to persuade him or try to persuade him to stay. It’s his business. I remember going through similar things and people trying to tell me what to do, it can all get a bit much. I’m close to Suaali’i and if he needs someone to talk to I’m always there for him. At the end of the day, it’s his decision.

“[But] I would like him. Of course we want him to stay. He will be great for us. He could do anything he wanted. The world is at his feet. He’s been training for us at the center and looks great. He’s just another weapon for us in the back line.”

Tedesco will play his first game of the season against Manly in a trial in Gosford on Friday night, but the Roosters will rest Keary after suffering a jaw injury in training.

Tedesco said the fifth’s concussion would mean the club would treat their latest setback with caution but downplayed the seriousness of the mishap.

“He’s fine,” Tedesco said. “He had a stroke last week before the first try he was supposed to play. He’s ready for round one. There’s no point in risking him for a trial. He had a great preseason and he and Sammy Walker looked so good. It’s a bit worrying because of his history, but when you talk to him everything is fine.

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“He texted me all day asking how I was doing and how I was doing on the first day. He is an avid golfer.”

Tedesco has teamed up with LPGA rookie Grace Kim, veteran cricketer Dan Christian and ultrarunner Nedd Brockman to win the morning Pro-Am at TPS Sydney, an event hosted by Braith Anasta.

“He did some weird drives, but his wedge game was it [great]’ Kim said of Tedesco. “I think he has to keep that in his pocket.”