Tedesco's signing kept Gordon at Roosters
Sep 21, 2017 - 5:10 AM Veteran Sydney Roosters fullback Michael Gordon could have been preparing for potentially his final NRL game this weekend if the tri-colours hadn't signed James Tedesco for next season.Gordon entered the season seriously considering retiring from the NRL and moving back home to NSW north coast to play country rugby league.
The one-time NSW State of Origin representative will play his 225th NRL game in Saturday night's preliminary final against North Queensland, after stints at Penrith, Cronulla and Parramatta.
Tedesco's signing was originally seen by many as the beginning of the end for Gordon, who admitted he was starting to feel the effects of a 12-year NRL career on his body.
But the Roosters fullback has revealed the club's decision to sign the NSW Origin No.1 and RLPA player of the year, was what prompted him to continue for another year.
"They've signed Tedesco and I don't have to play fullback - that's a big factor of why I stayed," Gordon told AAP.
"Fullback is such a demanding position and the way we play it, they demand a lot out of you. I don't know if I could have done it, if I had another year there.
"So now my role, whatever it is next year, I'll worry about it then. But at least I know I won't be fullback; I won't be in such a high-demand position."
Gordon signed a one-year extension with the club in July, after he kept close contact with coach Trent Robinson throughout the process of negotiating Tedesco's arrival at the club.
He also had interest from a number of other NRL clubs, but was keen to keep his young family in Sydney's eastern suburbs with his oldest son having just started school.
"Robbo told me that even if they do sign (Tedesco), they still want me to hang around," Gordon said.
"That gave me more confidence."
Gordon was once engaged in a head-to-head battle to claim the fullback position from Lachlan Coote at Penrith midway through his career.
He has played in the No.1 almost exclusively since moving to the Sharks in 2013 and then the Eels in 2016. But the veteran admitted it had never been such a demanding role as it is under Robinson at the Roosters.
"It's high demand wherever you play but especially the way we play it here it's a physical toll on the body," he said.
"A lot of the stuff I do with Robbo is very specific."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Cordner set for Roosters training return Dec 30
- Roosters shift Storm game to Adelaide Dec 18
- Roosters sack Nikorima over drugs breach Dec 14
- Luke Keary signs new Roosters NRL deal Dec 12
- Gordon exit exposes Chooks' Achilles heel Dec 11
- Roosters reportedly re-sign key duo Dec 7
- Tedesco maps out his plan for Roosters Nov 29
- Leaving Roosters right call for me: Pearce Nov 20
- I can work with Cooper, says Pearce Nov 17
- I wanted to be a Rooster for life: Guerra Nov 13
- Pearce's influence can't be forgotten: JWH Nov 2
- Cronk won't unsettle Roosters: Cordner Oct 31