Tag: rugby league

Bondi Beach Footy Scene Just Got Bigger with GameDay Squad and James Tedesco

Bondi Beach, a hotspot for sun, surf, and Sydney Roosters fans, is now making waves in the world of fantasy footy. Rugby League superstar James Tedesco has thrown his support behind GameDay Squad, an Australian fantasy sports platform changing how fans engage with the game.

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 With over 500,000 downloads on Google Play and a unique free-to-play model, the platform is drawing in Rugby League enthusiasts like never before.

Tedesco, the Roosters captain and a familiar face around Bondi, believes GameDay Squad brings a real coaching experience to fans. Unlike traditional fantasy leagues that rely on salary caps and weekly drafts, this platform allows users to collect, trade, and manage their teams year-round. He sees it as an opportunity for footy fans to experience the highs and lows of managing a team, much like the real thing.

Fantasy Footy’s Growing Presence in Australia

Fantasy sports are booming in Australia, with participation numbers doubling in the last three years. More than 2.4 million Australians now play, highlighting a shift in how fans connect with their favourite teams and players. GameDay Squad has positioned itself as a leader in this space, offering an accessible and strategic game without the usual pay-to-play restrictions.

Founder Callum Stone emphasised that the game’s free-to-play model makes it inclusive for all fans, allowing them to build a squad and compete at any level. He believes Tedesco is the perfect fit for the platform, given his leadership both on and off the field.

James Tadesco Sydney Roosters
Photo Credit: Supplied

Sydney Roosters, Bondi Beach, and Community Engagement

Bondi Beach has long been associated with the Sydney Roosters, with many players living, training, or spending time in the area. Tedesco, as the Roosters’ captain, is often seen around Bondi, making him a natural connection between the local community and fantasy footy fans. His endorsement of GameDay Squad strengthens its presence among Rugby League supporters in the Eastern Suburbs and beyond.

As part of the partnership, GameDay Squad is hosting a launch event on Thursday, February 27, in Sydney, giving fans the chance to meet James Tedesco and get an exclusive preview of the 2025 season. With fantasy footy rapidly evolving, this event is expected to draw strong interest from the community.

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For fans eager to join, sign-ups are free at www.gamedaysquad.com.au, and tickets for the launch event are available at Humanitix.

Nate Myles to Mould Future Stars: Roosters Great Joins Storm Coaching Staff

Remember the relentless firebrand who used to tear up the field for the Sydney Roosters? Nate Myles, the man who never took a backward step, is back in the NRL, but this time he’s trading his boots for a clipboard.

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From Origin camp to coaching staff

After hanging up his playing boots in 2017 with a premiership win at the Melbourne Storm, Myles has been honing his coaching skills alongside Billy Slater in the Queensland Origin camp. Now, he’s taking the next step in his rugby league journey, returning to Melbourne as part of their Jersey Flegg Cup coaching staff.

Nate Myles, a Rooster remembered

Roosters fans will remember Myles well. He burst onto the scene at Belmore in 2007, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his uncompromising style of play and relentless energy. After two years with the Bulldogs, he became a vital cog in the Roosters pack, giving his all in every contest. While a premiership eluded him during his time in Sydney, his contributions in the red, white, and blue are fondly remembered

Myles’ career spanned 13 seasons and five clubs, including the Bulldogs, Titans, and Sea Eagles. He captained the Gold Coast and achieved the ultimate success with a grand final victory in his final season at the Storm. His most enduring legacy, however, was forged in the cauldron of State of Origin.

Representing Queensland 32 times, Myles was the epitome of Maroon spirit. He was a warrior in the trenches, a leader who inspired his teammates with his actions. His battles with the likes of Paul Gallen are etched in Origin folklore, particularly that fiery clash in the 2013 Origin opener.

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A new chapter begins

Now, with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game, Myles is embarking on a new chapter. He’ll join forces with Mark Russell, who enters his third year at the helm of the Storm’s Jersey Flegg Cup side—a crucial stepping stone for young players aspiring to reach the NRL. It’s a chance for Myles to impart his knowledge to the next generation of players, to mould them into the tough, resilient competitors that defined his own career.

Published 10-January-2025