It’s a case of now or never for the Roosters in 2026.
With two of their elite players in Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton heading to rugby union, and James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans getting close to retirement, this group has its last chance to nail the club’s first title since 2019.
And on paper, the Roosters are a great chance of competing for the title – if DCE can fire at halfback.
The NRL’s oldest player wasn’t great last season at Manly and his legs will be that much slower this season – but he will have better players around him and may surprise.
The exciting, unpredictable Sam Walker and the slow and steady DCE may prove the ideal halves pairing – time will tell.
Apart from Cherry-Evans arriving at the glamour club, State of Origin hooker Reece Robson is the only other new face likely to come into Trent Robinson’s side, with utility Connor Watson starting from the bench in a ‘super sub’ role.
The outside backs are as good as any in the league – Marky Mark is a wizard, Daniel Tupou keeps scoring tries, Tedesco produced some of his best football last season and Robert Toia will only get better after a stunning rookie season.
Up front, the Roosters are all power with middles Naufahu Whyte, Lindsay Collins and Victory Radley (once he completes his suspension) setting a great platform.
Crichton was one of the NRL’s form back-rowers last season and fellow edge forward Siua Wong is held in high regard by the club.
It’s a squad with few weaknesses, several born leaders and some great up-and-comers who got plenty of valuable experience last year.
With the Storm losing two grand finals and some key players, the Roosters shape as the biggest danger to the Broncos’ hopes of back-to-back titles.
Sydney Roosters’ best 17
1. James Tedesco 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu
