Roosters coach Trent Robinson has admitted it was “his call” to present captain James Tedesco a break post-Origin with the choice attracting criticism.
After starring for the Blues final Wednesday, Tedesco didn’t again up in his aspect’s 30-16 loss to the Storm on Saturday.
The transfer riled veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield query questioned why the Roosters allowed their captain to vacation whereas their season was on the road.
Watch each sport of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >>>
‘Bordering on ship off!’ RCG sin bin | 00:32
New Zealand worldwide Joey Manu crammed in at fullback for the Storm conflict.
Robinson stated he sticks by his resolution however didn’t wish to touch upon Rothfield’s criticism.
“I told him to go away and come back this week. I wanted him to recover after Origin and come back ready to attack the last seven games,” Robinson stated.
“I haven’t seen it (Rothfield’s column) so can’t comment on that.
“But it was my call and he has given all for this team and club.”
Tedesco, who’s on a contract price greater than $1 million a yr, was afforded time away and travelled to Byron Bay together with his spouse as a substitute of attending the Tricolour’s essential conflict.
Watch each sport of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >>>
The 30-year-old endured a tricky Origin interval and was one of the closely criticised NSW gamers after failing to make an influence for the Blues.
Rothfield defined he believed Tedesco ought to have been together with his staff in Round 20 whereas a bunch of different Origin stars attended their respective staff’s video games.
“I reckon James Tedesco was entitled to have the weekend off because it was a particularly draining Origin series and they want him back,” Rothfield stated on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“For whatever shot they have at making the finals and they want the old James Tedesco back so he needed a freshen up.
“However, you look at the TV camera at Belmore Sports Ground on the weekend and Patrick Carrigan flew down from Brisbane to help Kevin Walters coach.
Undermanned Panthers down Phins | 02:22
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“Daly Cherry-Evans leads at Manly and plays every week. Nathan Cleary, who pulled his hamstring, he flew to Townsville with the Panthers a couple of weeks ago.
“Was around the sheds, now my view is this, Tedesco is the captain, the leader of that club. Their season was on the line the other day.
“I absolutely appreciate he was given a game off to rest his frame… but my goodness I cannot understand why he was not there to talk to the players at halftime and full-time as moral support.
“But I can understand others totally disagree but it’s an issue that is out there and being discussed.”
However, rugby league legend Laurie Daley held the alternative opinion and believed the gun fullback desperately wanted time away.
He pointed to the hefty criticism levelled in the direction of the NSW skipper after back-to-back Origin losses.
“I think if he has been given time off and the club knew he wasn’t going, I’m all for it,” Daley stated.
Eels diminished to 11 as Titans punish! | 01:04
MORE NRL NEWS
BIG HITS: Coates hat-trick completes Storm demolition as Roosters crumble
BIG HITS: ‘Magician’ Reynolds places on clinic as Broncos spoil Bulldogs’ farewell get together
‘SICK OF HOLDING PEOPLE BACK’: Selfless reveal in Reynolds’ emotional farewell
‘IT’S A FEND!’: Broncos star controversially binned as Dogs half leaves sport
“I thought the club would have asked him to play because their season is on the line, but given his experience, the toll that Origin has had on him.
“I know he’s got a pregnant partner, the toll that would have been put on her as well, it might have been the right decision.
“Only the Roosters would know.”
Daley additionally believed it was unfair to match gamers like Carrigan and Cherry-Evans enjoying and attending their staff’s video games.
The Queensland duo each performed key roles within the Maroon’s collection victory and escaped the wrath of followers and pundits alike.
“The difference between those players… they haven’t been under the same scrutiny as Teddy, they just haven’t been under the same scrutiny,”
“I just think the Roosters would have said ‘go away, stay away’. Clear your mind, clear your head. I think they have told him to stay away.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
