James Tedesco adds another historic milestone to decorated NRL career

The Roosters superstar has added a unique honour to his NRL achievements.

WRITER | September 22, 2026 - 9:26am

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Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco has continued his incredible NRL career by picking up another nomination in the RLPA Players' 2026 Dream Team of the Year.

The all-star team holds extra significance as the players themselves vote for the award, with Tedesco's on-field rivals having the privilege of giving him his flowers.

Tedesco has become the first player ever to pick up six nominations, adding to the tally of selections from 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 during his career.

NRL Rd 21 - Roosters v Sea Eagles — SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: James Tedesco of the Roosters runs the ball during the round 21 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium, on July 27, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The Roosters star is continuing to strengthen his case year-on-year as one of the best fullbacks to grace the field ever, rarely putting a foot wrong since his move to Bondi in 2018.

Payne Haas has gone to outright second after a fifth selection in the front row, and is joined in the forwards by Naufahu Whyte, Haumole Olakau'atu, Tallis Duncan and Erin Clark in the 2026 pack.

Dolphins' Herbie Farnworth was also selected at centre for the fourth year in a row, and now joins Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster as four-time nominees.

Farnworth's teammate Kurt Donoghue picked up his first selection as impact player in the RLPA team after an impressive season with the Dolphins.

“It's really good to get recognised for that. I'm pretty lucky to come on at the 20-minute mark with a bit of fatigue in the game,” he said on Nine's 100% Footy.

“A lot of my starters come on and do the hard work for me so I definitely give them some of the credit, but I'm pretty happy to be recognised by the playing group.”

The RLPA is proud to announce this year's Players’ Dream Team.

As voted by the players, the Players’ Dream Team features the best 14 players by their positions 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DtmEKtuFCX

— RLPA | Rugby League Players Association (@RLPlayers) September 21, 2026

The Roosters share the honour for most well-represented team in the lineup, boasting three players (Tedesco, Whyte, Mark Nawaqanitawase) joining the Dolphins (Farnworth, Donoghue, Selwyn Cobbo).

Raiders gun Simi Sasagi rounds out the backline with Tedesco, Nawaqanitawase, Farnworth, and Cobbo, while Braydon Trindall and Cleary make up the playmaking duties.

“On behalf of the RLPA, I congratulate the 14 outstanding players selected by their peers in the 2026 Players' Dream Team,” RLPA chief executive Clint Newtown said in a statement.

“Across the season, these players have consistently produced at the highest level and played significant roles for their respective teams. To earn a place in the best team of the year through the votes of the players you compete against each week is a tremendous recognition of their performances.

“The Players' Dream Team carries enormous significance because it is determined by the players themselves. Each of these 14 players has earned the respect of their peers through the standard they have set throughout the 2026 season, and they should be incredibly proud of this achievement.”