James Tedesco wins Clive Churchill Medal in Roosters' win over Knights in NRL grand final
James Tedesco was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his standout performance in the Sydney Roosters' 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights in the 2026 NRL grand final. This win marks Tedesco's first premiership as captain and completes his collection of major individual rugby league awards.
Why it matters
The NRL grand final is a major sporting event in Australia, and individual accolades like the Clive Churchill Medal are significant milestones in professional rugby league history.
James Tedesco (left) is congratulated by Roosters coach Trent Robinson after the grand final triumph. ( Getty Images: Darrian Traynor )
James Tedesco was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match in the grand final.
Tedesco was immense in both attack and defence during the 19-18 win over Newcastle.
It was Tedesco's third premiership but his first Clive Churchill Medal.
Link copied Share Share article James Tedesco has won the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match in the 2026 NRL grand final as his Sydney Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18.
The Roosters skipper completed his set of the game's greatest individual awards as the Roosters won their first men's premiership since 2019 .
A Daly Cherry-Evans field goal proves the difference as the Sydney Roosters beat the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in the NRL grand final.
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