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By Wayne Cousins
A month ago, Wests Tigers U20s Coach Grant Jones was agonising over his search for a permanent full-back.
In an article on weststigers.com.au on May 19, Jones was set to use his fifth full-back in 10 games on the eve of Wests Tigers clash with Penrith at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Blessed with the backing up ability of prolific tryscoring full-back Jake Mullaney over the past two years in the NYC competition, Jones was looking for a full-back who could inject himself into the play at the right time.
He had previously tried Ratu Tagive, Limoni Kamuta, Matt Evans and Jay Bonnell at full-back and was giving Justin Smith a chance for the Panthers game.
"In previous years, we would make a break and Jake was there. We are making breaks but no one is there. It is just not happening. The full-back position is up for grabs,'' Jones said at the time.
The experienced coach also spoke briefly about a player who had caught his eye. His name… James Tedesco from the Western Suburbs SG Ball side.
"James is a talent. He has good speed, is good with the high ball, and can read the game well,'' Jones added.
"He knows where to be and is a good support player. His time will come."
Fast forward a month to a sunny Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval and a clash with Melbourne Storm. Wearing the number one jersey was Tedesco, playing just his third U20s game.
Wests Tigers turned in their finest attacking performance and their best win of the season in a 60-20 victory.
Jones was right. Tedesco was very good under the high ball, has scintillating speed and certainly can read the game well. Four tries proved that. His time had come.
Tedesco's four tries equalled the Wests Tigers U20s club record for most tries in a match - set by none other than Mullaney against Cronulla in 2009.
Today, Jones is grinning like a cheshire cat. The search is officially over. Tedesco has been found.
A month ago, Wests Tigers U20s Coach Grant Jones was agonising over his search for a permanent full-back.
In an article on weststigers.com.au on May 19, Jones was set to use his fifth full-back in 10 games on the eve of Wests Tigers clash with Penrith at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Blessed with the backing up ability of prolific tryscoring full-back Jake Mullaney over the past two years in the NYC competition, Jones was looking for a full-back who could inject himself into the play at the right time.
He had previously tried Ratu Tagive, Limoni Kamuta, Matt Evans and Jay Bonnell at full-back and was giving Justin Smith a chance for the Panthers game.
"In previous years, we would make a break and Jake was there. We are making breaks but no one is there. It is just not happening. The full-back position is up for grabs,'' Jones said at the time.
The experienced coach also spoke briefly about a player who had caught his eye. His name… James Tedesco from the Western Suburbs SG Ball side.
"James is a talent. He has good speed, is good with the high ball, and can read the game well,'' Jones added.
"He knows where to be and is a good support player. His time will come."
Fast forward a month to a sunny Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval and a clash with Melbourne Storm. Wearing the number one jersey was Tedesco, playing just his third U20s game.
Wests Tigers turned in their finest attacking performance and their best win of the season in a 60-20 victory.
Jones was right. Tedesco was very good under the high ball, has scintillating speed and certainly can read the game well. Four tries proved that. His time had come.
Tedesco's four tries equalled the Wests Tigers U20s club record for most tries in a match - set by none other than Mullaney against Cronulla in 2009.
Today, Jones is grinning like a cheshire cat. The search is officially over. Tedesco has been found.
