Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco has apologised to Canberra after reneging on a deal to join the Raiders next season. Tedesco was announced as a Raiders signing last week, but the 21-year-old has sensationally backflipped on the lucrative deal reportedly worth $1.9 million over three years.
Under NRL rules, Tedesco had until the start of round 13 to change is mind. His decision to do so has infuriated the Raiders, who saw Tedesco as a replacement for Brisbane-bound Anthony Milford. It is understood Wests captain Robbie Farrah played a significant role in convincing Tedesco to stay at the Tigers, which boasts some of the best emerging talent in the NRL.
In a statement released through the Tigers, Tedesco said he couldn’t bring himself to leave the club. “I firstly need to apologise to the Canberra Raiders for my change of heart,” Tedesco said.
“They have been great throughout the whole process. That said, I never felt totally comfortable with my decision and, after thinking it through, I realised it would be too hard to leave my best mates. I understand that the Raiders and their fans will be disappointed and I apologise to all of them for making this decision and I only hope they will understand.”
Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer told Newscorp his club hadn’t bettered the money Tedesco was offered at the Raiders. “There is no doubt that this has been a difficult period for James and his family, but we are clearly thrilled that he has decided to stay with the club,” Mayer said. “We were very clear from the get-go that we wanted to keep him.”
Tedesco is expected to make his return from an ankle injury against Newcastle at the weekend.
