Tedesco primed to push for back-to-back history

Any talk around back-to-back titles at Bondi was virtually forbidden leading into the 2019 season but Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco insists the rare feat is now part of the discussions for the defending premiers.

Tedesco has his sights set firmly on helping the Roosters become the first team since the 1993 Broncos to win back-to-back premierships, with the State of Origin series now complete and the Tricolours sitting comfortably in the top four.

The 26-year-old declared last December there was no reason why the club couldn't mentally push on for another title and reiterated that stance ahead of the side's clash against the Gold Coast on Sunday.

"There's definitely a hunger there to go back-to-back," Tedesco said.

"We probably didn't talk about it too much at the start of the year but now we're in a position we need to put our foot down and play our best footy.

"The next six weeks of footy we really need to get back to our best footy, we probably haven't hit it this year."

Tedesco has crossed the line as first try-scorer in his past two clashes against the Bulldogs and Knights since having a break post-Origin, where he finished as Wally Lewis Medallist for player of the series.

The former Wests Tigers fullback said the team's position on the ladder and the depth of the Roosters' squad this season had allowed coach Trent Robinson to give him an extra week's break compared to the same period last year.

"When I was at the Tigers because when you come back in [after Origin] you're fighting for a place in the eight," Tedesco said.

"It's pleasing here at the Roosters because we're usually top of the table and Robbo can allow us to have a bit of a rest and get away from footy for a bit.

"[Origin] does take it out of you mentality with media and a big build-up to games. I feel like I've learnt that pretty well now. The body is feeling good."

Tedesco warned the Titans were no pushovers in their clash at the SCG, particularly as the visitors look to bounce back following their heavy defeat against Melbourne. 

Both sides are yet to meet each other in 2019, while the Titans will play at the cricket ground for the first time in their history and just days after Justin Holbrook was confirmed as new coach from 2020. 

"It's a tough time but it makes you want to play each other more," Tedesco said of the Titans' current predicament. 

"I think the playing group bonds together and that's where they can be dangerous.

"It's more a mentality thing where people expect you to win and you can be a bit complacent."