Tedesco feeling stronger than ever

After three rounds of 2019, Darius Boyd runs further but James Tedesco seems harder to put on the ground.

While the Broncos fullback has averaged 160 metres in three games so far, the Roosters fullback isn't all that far behind on 136.

But Tedesco leads the NRL in line breaks with four, and is third in tackle breaks (18) with Brisbane Corey Oates top on 22.

Boyd has nine tackle busts but is sitting on zero for line breaks.

But everyone can judge for themselves on which representative No.1 proves the most evasive and damaging when the Roosters host the Broncos at the SCG on Thursday.

As for Tedesco, in his second season with the Bondi club, he is feeling far more comfortable in his skin this year. Admittedly a premiership ring helps with that, and soon you might see him upping his stats and performance data even further given he averaged 192 metres per game in 2018.

"I feel like I'm part of the club now; having that successful year under the belt last year brings a lot of confidence into this year," Tedesco said.

"It's been a pretty solid start."

But even as the incumbent Australia and NSW Origin fullback, there is room to improve.

"Me and Robbo (coach Trent Robinson) have been talking about owning the middle sort of thing… focusing on quick-play-the-balls and supporting our forwards, and whoever is dummy half, supporting them too and taking my chances there," Tedesco added.

“It's been two wet games as well so that restricts ball movement. So I've been happy with how I’ve been owning the middle and looking to expand on that."

His strong start to the 2019 Telstra Premiership season reflects a strong pre-season.

"For me that's always been a strength of my game – strong running," he continued.

"I think the program we have here at Roosters has made me feel really good and as strong as I’ve ever felt. I'm happy with my weight and feeling fit as well," the 95kg fullback added.

Not that he did anything drastically different in the pre-season to feel trim and terrific.

"I'm just doing the same stuff. The main thing for me is keeping my body fresh and healthy and staying on the field, when I get those consecutive games together," he said.

"I've liked the way my body has been feeling the last few years and that's where I'm getting confidence."