+34
After skippering the Sydney Roosters to their first men's premiership in seven years, James Tedesco claims the Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match in the grand final.
James Tedesco led the Roosters by example in a player-of-the-match performance. James Tedesco was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match in the grand final.
It was Tedesco's third premiership but his first Clive Churchill Medal. James Tedesco has won the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match in the 2026 NRL grand final as his Sydney Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18.as the Roosters won their first men's premiership since 2019The honour will sit alongside Tedesco's Wally Lewis Medal, earnt in the 2019 State of Origin series, and his Dally M gongs from 2019 and 2025.
Tedesco was instrumental for the Roosters on Sunday evening, pulling off two clutch kick receptions when the match was on the line in the final few minutes. A constantly elusive presence, the fullback racked up 14 tackle breaks and was close to faultless under the high ball. Tedesco was a back-to-back premiership winner with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, but this title marks his first time captaining a side to a grand final win.
"Honestly, it felt like we had them on the ropes, but they just kept coming back. Retired Parramatta great Peter Sterling presented Tedesco with the medal, 40 years after becoming the first winner of the iconic award.
"To our boys, to our supporters that came out supported us all year, thank you," Tedesco said on stage.
Sydney Roosters Grand Final Nrl Newcastle Knights Clive Churchill Medal Player Of The Match Man Of The Match Premiership
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sam Walker Leads Clive Churchill Medal Favourites for 2024 NRL Grand FinalSydney Roosters fullback Sam Walker is the leading favourite to win the Clive Churchill Medal as his team targets a first NRL premiership since 2019. Kalyn Ponga, James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Mark Nawaqanitawasa, Bradman Best, Fletcher Sharpe and Sandon Smith are also considered strong contenders.
Read more »
Roosters Win 2026 NRL Grand Final 19-18 Over Knights as Ponga Avoids Sin-BinThe Sydney Roosters beat the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in the 2026 NRL grand final, with Daly Cherry-Evans kicking the winning field goal and Kalyn Ponga escaping a sin-bin for a high shot.
Read more »
Roosters beat Knights 19-18 in NRL grand final as Nawaqanitawase scores twiceThe Sydney Roosters won the NRL grand final 19-18 after a late Newcastle Knights comeback fell short. Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries and Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the winning field goal.
Read more »
Roosters beat Knights 19-18 to win 16th NRL title as Nawaqanitawase scores twiceThe Sydney Roosters claimed their 16th NRL premiership with a 19-18 grand final win over the Newcastle Knights. Mark Nawaqanitawase scored two tries and Daly Cherry-Evans kicked the decisive field goal in front of 80,814 fans.
Read more »