James Tedesco and Trent Robinson move questioned as pressure mounts amid Dragons NRL clash

The NRL world is starting to talk about the pressure mounting on Trent Robinson as he faces scrutiny in 2024 as James Tedesco and the team have failed to fire in 2024. Robinson and the Roosters scraped into the NRL finals last year, which saw them defeat the Sharks before a loss to the Storm.

Robinson and the Roosters opted to extend Tedesco's contract on a one-year deal. This means Robinson was confident the Kangaroos and Blues fullback was their long-term No.1. Unfortunately, this ultimately saw Joey Manu and Jospeh Suaalii move on to rugby union. Watching the hugely talented duo sign rugby union deals has left many fans questioning if more could have been done to hold onto them.

However, despite bolstering their starting 17 in 2024, the Roosters have failed to fire once again heading into round eight. Despite a huge injury toll becoming a factor in some of their struggles, the Roosters are 3-4 this year. A loss to the Dragons would further pile pressure on Robinson as he strives to turn the club's fortune around with a talented roster.

And speaking on NRL 360 on Wednesday, Paul Kent admitted Robinson's demeanour appears to have changed in recent weeks with the usually calm coach looking frustrated. This was no more evident than Robinson's rant at the bunker and referees after his team's loss to the Storm last Thursday.

“Well, he’s been immune from that (criticism) hasn’t he?” Kent said on Wednesday. “For essentially his whole coaching stint Trent Robinson. He’s not really come under any pressure other than his own internal pressure that he applies."

Kent added Robinson has helped the Roosters bounce back in the past after a tough season, but fans are still waiting for it to happen in 2024. “But this was the year that’s supposed to be a bit of a bounce back from last season and that hasn’t happened yet," Kent added. “So we’re still waiting... I think that he’s feeling the pressure, I think that’s he’s not normally reacted that way and I think that’s the pressure coming out in him.”

James Tedesco re-signing call questioned

Robinson has earned time at the club having won three premierships since 2013. Although, the deals of the Roosters have come into question. Letting talented players Manu and youngster Suaalii go has raised eyebrows within the Roosters fanbase. This comes as Robinson faces growing calls to play Manu at fullback.

RELATED:

• Cameron Smith responds amid rumours around Storm star and wife

• Terry Hill's untold act comes to light as NRL remembers late great

James Hooper lauded Robinson's record as a coach, but pointed to their recent poor record against the Storm and the Panthers. And Hooper also questioned whether their deals have been good for the long-term future of the club.

“It’s very unlike them to make some mistakes in the recruitment space. If you look at the way that they’ve now got Joseph Manu and also Joseph Suaalii leaving the club next year, they were bought to be part of the succession plan with James Tedesco," Hooper said.

“But they decided to extend Teddy for the additional year until the end of next year, now they lose both those two Ferraris that were being lined up to one day wear the No.1. It’s very unlike the Roosters to make mistakes in that space, but I think they have there.”