The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce James Tedesco as the winner of the Players’ Champion individual accolade for 2025, as voted by NRL players.
After winning the Players’ Champion in 2017, 2019 and 2022, Tedesco now joins elite company by equalling Johnathan Thurston as a four-time winner of rugby league’s biggest and most prestigious player-voted award.
Tedesco had a remarkable 2025 NRL season. The elusive and damaging fullback played a pivotal role for his Sydney Roosters side all season. He topped the competition with the most tackle breaks (164), the most runs (521) and most run metres (4,862).
Throughout the season, Tedesco remained incredibly consistent and repeatedly led his team with his phenomenal ability and captaincy.
Clint Newton OAM, the CEO of the RLPA, praised Tedesco for winning his fourth Players’ Champion award.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I congratulate James Tedesco on winning the Players’ Champion award for 2025,” said Clint Newton OAM, CEO of the RLPA.
“James has again shown the brilliant player he is physically, skill-wise and mentally. Expectations for James are always high and despite constant questions being asked of him in recent seasons, he’s answered them by continuing to elevate his game.
“In 2025, we saw how damaging he remains. James’s ability to break games open and slice through defensive lines was as sharp and destructive as ever. He may be 32, but he is still playing with the same explosiveness, the elite support play, and composure as his team’s leader.
“Few players can lead and play like James, within structure, but also be a dangerous and instinctive eyes-up footballer. He embodies what it means to attack the game relentlessly and never take the foot off the pedal.
“For James to be on a par with Johnathan Thurston on four Players’ Champion awards is an extraordinary achievement. JT is one of the greatest of all time, and Tedesco belongs in that company.
“While JT played a different position, they share the same fearlessness in contact, running at defensive lines, and an unwavering 80-minute mentality. These are qualities players respect, and why both have been honoured four times.
“We proudly recognise James Tedesco as the Players’ Champion for 2025. His ability and leadership are a credit to him, and our game is better for having him.”
Players’ Champion Jahrome Hughes Congratulates James Tedecso
Jahrome Hughes, the 2024 Players’ Champion, congratulated James Tedesco on winning the 2025 and his fourth Players’ Champion award.
“A massive congratulations to Teddy on winning this year’s Players’ Champion award. Personally, this award is the highest individual accolade a player can receive,” said Jahrome Hughes.
“To be voted the best player by your peers is the greatest compliment you can get. A well deserved winner in James, who plays at a high level, consistently every year – but this year he has really taken his game to new heights.”
2025 Players’ Champion Finalists from the NRL
Harry Grant Payne Haas Isaiya Katoa Ethan Strange James Tedesco – Winner
James Tedesco Key Stats for 2025
25 games
11 tries
22 try assists
21 line breaks
164 tackle breaks
Average of 194 running metres per game
About The Players’ Champion voting
The Players’ Champion Contenders’ list is composed of four players from each club who are nominated to be eligible for The Players’ Champion individual award.
RLPA Delegates put forward three Contenders from their own teams before an RLPA Working Group panel (made up of current and former NRL players) nominates a fourth and final player from each team.
In total, 68 Contenders are then eligible to receive Players’ Champion votes from their NRL peers in the end-of-season poll.
Voting is open to all contracted NRL players, with each player voting for opposition Contenders using a 3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
The player with the most number of votes across all teams is awarded The Players’ Champion.
