Roosters skipper James Tedesco breaks his silence on controversial viral video of some of the club’s biggest stars in a hotel room

Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco defended his teammates and stated it was “not right” that they were accused of unlawful conduct in a video circulated online, with the allegations condemned by the club amid threats of legal action.

The short video showed five current players in a room responding to a fan’s question, which the club says was part of a long live stream they had organized with supporters.

But viewers of the short clip made wild accusations that the Roosters branded “grossly distorted and patently damaging claims” in a strong statement on Tuesday morning.

Tedesco was unimpressed by suggestions that his teammates had done something wrong.

“It was the night before a game and I knew the guys were doing a giveaway on Twitch,” he said.

“Some people have come out assuming crazy things, but it’s not right for people to come out and assume things they have no idea about.

“It’s not right to be accused of something like that.”

His comments came after the club threatened action against people who started the rumours.

“The Sydney Roosters have been made aware of a small clip from a longer livestream that some on social media claim identifies behavior in violation of the NRL rules,” the statement said.

‘The live stream in question was part of a transparent, hour-long interaction with one of our player followers on the evening before the club’s eleventh match.

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The Roosters players laughed and joked with supporters, answering their questions and saying hello to their partners as they gave away club merchandise in the footage

Brandon Smith (centre) talks to Sydney Roosters supporters during the hour-long live stream on Twitch

“The players featured on the stream selected winners for various jersey, cleat and cap giveaways. The players were fully aware that they were being watched by livestream participants.

‘The clip does not reveal the use of illegal substances or any other breach of NRL rules, although some may see fit to make that grossly distorted and clearly damaging claim.

“The Sydney Roosters maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both on and off the field. Our players adhere to all NRL policies, including strict drug testing and education programs.

‘As a club, we remind those on social media that we take very seriously the defamatory statements made by some, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source(s) of several false allegations.’

The Roosters said legal action will be taken against those found responsible for spreading ‘harmful and unsubstantiated claims’.