Roosters Defeat Manly 40-16 in NRL Semi-Final

James Tedesco faces heightened competition for the Kangaroos fullback position after being replaced by Dylan Edwards in the NSW State of Origin team, where Edwards excelled in games 2 and 3. Despite Tedesco's impressive season with the Roosters, including 17 tries and a standout performance in a recent semi-final against Manly, he was overlooked for the Rugby League Players' Association's Dream Team in favor of Edwards, who was voted the best No.1 by his peers. Tedesco's pivotal role in the Roosters' decisive 40-16 win over Manly showcased his capacity to lead, as he contributed two tries and two assists, securing a spot in the preliminary final against Melbourne. However, questions linger about the Roosters' ability to compete against top teams like Melbourne and Penrith, given their poor record against them since 2020. Tedesco's performance is critical as the Roosters deal with injuries to key players, emphasizing his importance in the finals. As the playoffs progress, the competition between Tedesco and Edwards may continue to define the narrative for the Kangaroos' fullback selection.