Nathan Cleary and James Tedesco named in ESPN's Australian sports Power Rankings
Nathan Cleary and James Tedesco has been named in ESPN’s final 25 Australian sports Power Rankings.
Athletes are judged on success, influence on and off the field, star power, potential, longevity at the top, level of competition, and sheer talent.
Nathan Cleary came in at number 7 and was described as:
It was an incredible year for Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, collecting another NRL Premiership before jetting off to England to guide the Kangaroos to Rugby League World Cup glory. The only prize that eluded him in 2022 was the State of Origin shield, typically snatched from his grasp by the remorseless Maroons. Cleary's command of the game continues on its upward trajectory, and at 25 years of age, his best football is well and truly still ahead of him.
James Tedesco came in at 22 and was described as:
James Tedesco's Sydney Roosters may have crashed out of the NRL finals in the first week, but the mercurial fullback had one of his best seasons. He led New South Wales to within one victory of winning the State of Origin series, before being one of the best players for Australia in their Rugby League World Cup victory. Tedesco heads into this eleventh season in the top grade with young guns Joseph Manu and Joseph Sua'ali'i nipping at his heels for the No. 1 Roosters jersey. It is testament to Tedesco's talent and presence that no one has seriously questioned whether he should retain the position.
