Previously a segment on the weekly SC Report podcast, we’ve decided to bring in a bit of left-field, controversial thinking to our weekly lineup of articles. Who better than a Manly fan to deliver this one! Welcome aboard Matt West for the Unpopular Opinion of the Week. This one’s designed to stoke the fire, so don’t be afraid to fire back!

Put Teddy to Beddy

At the start of this season, if you told me that I would be finishing the year without Tedesco I would have laughed at you.

If you had told me that Turbo was out for the season and I STILL wasn’t finishing the year with Teddy, I would have laughed at you, then slapped myself in the face, trying to wake up from this nonsense.

And if I told you that not only Turbo, but Papenhuyzen was out for the season but still had no intention in finishing with the Blues captain and the Kangaroos number 1, I would laugh at you, slap myself in the face, then beat myself to unconscious with my own burning legs. But I recommend you to do the same.

Usually, Teddy is a lock to close out the season with a combination of Turbo or Papy. He is always in the conversation regarding taking up one of the valuable spots at the back and he usually delivered. Last year, the final 7 games he averages 101. Absolutely barnstorming form.

But…

The Roosters were going through transition and their injuries were well documented and most people with eyes could see they over performed. Their main half was injured and Teddy was carrying the team, getting his hands on the ball as much as possible ultimately falling to the Sea Eagles 42 – 6.

This year is different. Injuries have not been as prevalent. Keary has (up until recently) been a mainstay of the team and Walker has another years’ experience under the belt, but the Roosters currently sit 9th on the ladder and have not had the devastating injuries of 2021. Like the Melbourne Storm, (who will finish out of the top 4 and DO have impactful injuries) who have slipped down any power rankings you want to read.

The Chooks have not been convincing all year and Teddy’s output has been blunted by this. They have NOT improved as the season went on. They are dropping like a stone and will miss the 8. Looking back at his early form this season, he has produced only two tons in the first 18 rounds. Yup, two.

Closing out every season relies on 2 things. PODs and big numbers. Every season, Tedesco cannot be considered a POD. And big numbers from him (unlike from previous seasons) cannot be expected.

Let’s look at his remaining games vs early season scores.

Over the final 7 games to be played, Teddy has already played 5 of these teams previously this season. His average against those 5 is just 52.

THE call for the run home are dual position FLB/CTWs. SUPER valuable position swaps and with the likes of Manu, Garrick, Alex Johnson and Val Holmes, who has a sensational run holme (lol), stack your side with these legends along with the recently outrageous form of Latrell and bag those hauls.

So Teddy, I love you. You carried NSW the whole series, but can’t do the same for the Roosters this year. See you in my team (hopefully) next season when you have dropped a ton of cash and Robbo has fixed up the Chooks.

Good luck all