In a thrilling NRL Grand Final held on October 4, 2026, the Sydney Roosters edged out the Newcastle Knights with a 19-18 victory at Accor Stadium. (abc.net.au)
Leading the charge was Roosters captain James Tedesco, who delivered an exceptional performance that earned him the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal for the first time in his career. Tedesco amassed an impressive 385 running meters—the highest ever recorded in an NRL finals match—and achieved 14 tackle breaks, showcasing his offensive prowess and defensive reliability. (abc.net.au)
This victory marks Tedesco's third NRL premiership, following back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. However, it is his first as captain, adding a significant milestone to his already illustrious career. The Clive Churchill Medal now complements his collection of individual accolades, including the Wally Lewis Medal from the 2019 State of Origin series and Dally M Medals from 2019 and 2025. (abc.net.au)
Reflecting on the hard-fought match, Tedesco expressed immense pride in his team, stating, "So proud of this team, what a game. Honestly, it felt like we had them on the ropes, but they just kept coming back. There's so many great attacking players and that game could've gone either way." (abc.net.au)
The presentation of the Clive Churchill Medal was made by rugby league legend Peter Sterling, who was the inaugural recipient of the award 40 years prior. This momentous occasion not only highlights Tedesco's outstanding contribution to the game but also cements his status as one of the sport's premier fullbacks.