James Tedesco's dream first season at the Sydney Roosters is complete after he added the Kangaroos No.1 jersey to a haul that has included the Brad Fittler Medal and a premiership ring.
Tedesco was unveiled as Australia's fullback for this month's Tests against New Zealand and Tonga on Friday, giving him the chance to own the No.1 jersey as Billy Slater's successor.
Criticised at times earlier in the year after his summer swap from the Wests Tigers to the team he supported as a youngster, Tedesco starred at every level in 2018.
The 25-year-old was NSW's best player in their State of Origin series win over Queensland, blowing the Maroons out of the water in the series opener before pulling off a crucial try-saving tackle on Kalyn Ponga in Game II.
"There was a lot of external noise and pressure with the move, but I never doubted myself," Tedesco said after Sunday's grand final win.
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"It's been a great year for me personally ... A career highlight.
"(A Kangaroos debut) would really top off a great year personally.
"I won an Origin series and won a premiership, but I haven't played for Australia yet so that would definitely be the next thing for me to achieve."
Tedesco was just as impressive for the Roosters as he was for the Blues.
He shot into action after the Origin series and led all fullbacks for average metres (180), try assists (21) and linebreak assists (20).
His performance against the Storm at ANZ Stadium was overshadowed by Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary, but shouldn't be understated.
He finished the game with 214 metres - the most from a fullback in a grand final since Greg Inglis in 2014 - and threw the last pass for two of the Roosters' three tries in his first decider.
But the Roosters were most impressed with Tedesco's defence all season, as the Tri-colours returned to the best defensive ranking in the league.
"I probably can't explain how much Teddy works for our defence," Roosters co-captain Jake Friend said.
"You see what he does in attack but what he does in our defensive line and how quick he's picked up his role as a defensive fullback.
"You saw it in Origin and all year for us. He's been awesome for us."
TEDESCO'S FIRST YEAR AT SYDNEY ROOSTERS
* NSW State of Origin series win
* Player of the match, State of Origin I
* Brad Fittler Medal for NSW player of the series
* Sydney Roosters premiership winner
* Leading run metres for all NRL fullbacks, averaging 180 metres per game
* Led all fullbacks for linebreak assists (20) and try assists (21)
* Maiden Australian selection
