James Tedesco says his wild pass at the end of the Test against the Tonga Invitational side was the "little wake-up call" he needed and a reminder of how hard he needs to keep working to remain on top.
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After scoring the famous match-winning try in the State of Origin series decider and finishing the long-range effort that clinched the NRL grand final for Sydney Roosters, Tedesco was confident Australia could steal victory against Tongans in the dying minutes.
First, the Kangaroos No.1 pulled up short trying to reach out for a try, then he threw a pass that sailed behind Nick Cotric and into touch, ending any chance of an Australian comeback.
The final few minutes was not a fitting end for what was another wonderful campaign enjoyed by the player many regard as the best in the game.
Tedesco also defended Roosters, NSW and Kangaroos teammate Latrell Mitchell, who had a disappointing night with his hands and was later criticised by commentators including Blues coach Brad Fittler, who said: "Latrell came up with some bad errors and some really soft options."
Tedesco said: "To not execute that last pass, that's disappointing. I've had a lot of success the last few minutes [in games] this year, I was hoping for it again but it didn't come off. That's on me.
"I needed to be better with that last pass. With everyone saying how good I am, I still have a lot of stuff to work on - it's good to have that little wake-up call and that I need to still keep improving and working on my game to stay on top."
His season now over, Tedesco will head to the Melbourne Cup before a few weeks off in the United States at the end of the month.
Given his heavy involvement for club, state and two Tests for Australia, the fullback was relieved his body did not require any minor surgeries or maintenance.
"But I need some rest now," Tedesco said.
"I don't know when I go back [to pre-season training]. Hopefully next year some time."
Expected to go close to winning the Golden Boot, an international award he was stunningly beaten to last year by England winger Tommy Makinson, Tedesco was not sure his odds would improve this year given Test matches were a big factor.
"I think it's based on international games, so I don't think I'll get it, to be honest," Tedesco said.
"Maybe one of the Tongan boys will get it. They've had to strong wins against two good teams."
The unhappiest Australian player was Mitchell, whose two knock-ons led to Tongan tries and who was targeted most of the night by three and four defenders. He was consoled by good friend Josh Addo-Carr after the game.
"We want Latrell to take those tough carries out of the back of the field, he worked really hard, he came up with a few disappointing errors, but it's our job to defend that," Tedesco said.
"We had a few opportunities and didn't execute. That's not on Latrell. He'll be disappointed, but he had a big year as well."
- SMH/The Age
