Benji Marshall has backed 19-year-old prodigy James Tedesco to nail down the vacant Wests Tigers fullback position.
Tedesco started in the No.1 jersey in the Tigers’ 20-12 trial win over Parramatta, but Tim Sheens has since refused to confirm the youngster will be his starting fullback for the NRL season opener.
Former Parramatta utility Tom Humble also spent some time at fullback, while another ex-Eel in Joel Reddy and Mitch Brown could also be an option for round one against Cronulla at Leichhardt.
But when asked for his pick in the race for the No.1 jersey, Marshall threw his support behind the former Australian Schoolboys representative, describing him as “a special talent”.
“There’s a few contenders but the young kid who got the run on the weekend, Tedesco; judging off how he’s been training and what I’ve seen from him, he’s a special talent and I think he can go a long way,” Marshall said.
A number of openings in key positions means the depth at the Tigers could be tested this season, but Marshall said there was plenty to like about the talent coming through the Toyota Cup ranks.
“We’ve got a few emerging stars,” Marshall said.
“The talent in our 20s is scary.
“It’s a good thing to have behind you and I think we might see a few surprises that pop up in our team.”
by Buford Balony
