As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2026, it’s time to see how the Roosters will roll out.
Trent Robinson was able to parlay the arrival of Cooper Cronk into two premierships when the Storm star wanted to come to Sydney eight years ago.
This time around he is banking on another experienced premiership-winning playmaker being the missing piece in the red, white and blue jigsaw with Daly Cherry-Evans kicking off a two-year stint in the twilight of his glittering career.
But one of the main differences will be that DCE will have to play second fiddle at five-eighth while allowing Sam Walker to run the show from halfback.
It adds up to an intriguing subplot to the 2026 season after the injury-ravaged Roosters punched above their weight to qualify for the finals last year despite Robinson being forced to blood plenty of rookies.
Roosters skipper James Tedesco said on Tuesday that he could see similarities between DCE and Cronk “in terms of their leadership, their experience, their communication and their clarity in the way they talk to the team”.
Here’s how their team is shaping up for Round 1.
Who’s new?
They waited all season and then some before announcing the deal but no one was surprised when the Roosters finally revealed Cherry-Evans would be crossing Sydney Harbour from Manly.
After his acrimonious split from the Sea Eagles, the former Queensland and Australian halfback has a point to prove with plenty of doubters raising concerns over his arrival delaying the career trajectory of young gun Hugo Savala.
The Roosters made another significant recruitment raid much earlier in the year when they convinced NSW hooker Reece Robson to jump ship from the Cowboys on a four-year deal.
They have also supplemented their depth in the outside backs by offering a deal to ex-Dragons speedster Cody Ramsey after he rebuilt his career following serious illness and Tommy Talau, who did well in limited opportunities at Manly last season.
The Roosters have also acquired Reuben Garrick from the Sea Eagles but he won’t relocate until next year.
Who’s gone?
The arrival of DCE prompted Sandon Smith to get an early release for a much more concrete chance at an NRL berth in Newcastle while back-up hooker Zach Dockar-Clay has headed to Brookvale.
Depth pieces Ethan King (Cowboys), Ethan Roberts (Wests Tigers) and Xavier Va’a (York Knights) have also moved on.
Unlike the carnage in recent seasons when plenty of big names left the club, the Roosters have been able to retain the vast majority of last year’s roster.
Key spots to unlock?
With DCE settling in at five-eighth, the big question is where will Savala end up?
He has the size to switch from the halves to lock and the speed to slot in at centre or Robinson could use him as an impact player off the bench.
Connor Watson and Siua Wong are also in contention for the No.13 jersey and with Naufahu Whyte, Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu in the line-up, Robinson has one of the best middle-forward squadrons in the NRL.
Young forwards Blake Steep, Salesi Foketi and Taylor Losalu could struggle to get as much game time this year if the more experienced forwards are available.
Victor Radley won’t be available for selection until Round 5 after the Roosters announced his 10-week club-imposed drugs ban would include the three Tests for England late last year as well as two pre-season trials.
Round 1 predicted team
1 James Tedesco
2 Daniel Tupou
3 Billy Smith
4 Robert Toia
5 Mark Nawaqanitawase
6 Daly Cherry-Evans
7 Sam Walker
8 Naufahu Whyte
9 Reece Robson
10 Lindsay Collins
11 Angus Crichton
12 Nat Butcher
13 Connor Watson
Interchange
14 Hugo Savala
15 Egan Butcher
16 Spencer Leniu
17 Siua Wong
18 Benaiah Ioelu
19 Tommy Talau
Other squad members: Victor Radley (suspended), Cody Ramsey, Blake Steep, De La Salle Va’a, Junior Pauga, Jake Elliott, Junior Tupou, Salesi Foketi, Taylor Losalu, Toby Rodwell
