Tedesco Wins Clive Churchill Medal in Thrilling NRL Grand Final

James Tedesco has been named the player of the match in the 2026 NRL grand final, receiving the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal after his Sydney Roosters defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18.

Tedesco had a standout performance, instrumental in both attack and defence, completing 385 run metres, the most by a player in any NRL finals match, and making 14 tackle breaks.

The Roosters skipper was a constantly elusive presence, pulling off two clutch kick receptions when the match was on the line in the final few minutes, and was close to faultless under the high ball.

This victory marks Tedesco's third premiership but his first Clive Churchill Medal, adding to his collection of individual awards which include the Wally Lewis Medal and Dally M gongs from 2019 and 2025.

Tedesco led the Roosters by example in a player-of-the-match performance, and was visibly emotional as he received the medal from retired Parramatta great Peter Sterling, 40 years after Sterling became the first winner of the iconic award.

"So proud of this team, what a game," Tedesco said immediately after the match.

"Honestly, it felt like we had them on the ropes, but they just kept coming back. There's so many great attacking players and that game could've gone either way."

Tedesco also expressed his gratitude to the team's supporters, saying: "To our boys, to our supporters that came out supported us all year, thank you," on stage.