After losing a host of experience and class from last year, 2025 was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Roosters.
And when they lost five of their first seven matches, that theory certainly seemed to be right – but then, a funny thing happened.
The youngsters who Trent Robinson earmarked as the future of the club came good early – and the Roosters became a force.
The likes of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Hugo Savala, Rob Toia, Blake Steep and Benaiah Ioelu all adapted to the step up in class, filling the gaps left by Test and Origin stars.
Once brilliant halfback Sam Walker returned from injury, the pieces were all in place and the Roosters won eight from 11 games to charge into the finals against the odds.
But through it all, they had a nagging problem – unforced errors.
Robinson’s men led the league in this crucial statistic in 2025 and it eventually proved their undoing.
In the first round of the finals last weekend, they met a Sharks team that were vulnerable and not playing good football.
Cronulla were only mediocre but prevailed 20-10 in a flat game because the Roosters shot themselves in the foot, making mistake after mistake.
It was a sad end to a season where the Roosters had overperformed – but the young stars unearthed and the harsh lessons learned ensures the future will be bright.
Of the old hands, James Tedesco was simply superb.
In his 32nd year, the skipper produced arguably his best ever season and he was so dominant that many believe had he not been shunned by NSW that the Blues could have won this year’s State of Origin series.
Angus Crichton had a wonderful season at both club and Origin level and was a real attacking force, while Lindsay Collins also had some fine moments.
Connor Watson was a real livewire out of dummy-half and centre Billy Smith continues to grow in stature.
Nawaqanitawase hit the game like a breath of fresh air, scoring the most tries by a Rooster since the 1930s, several of them simply breathtaking.
Fellow winger Daniel Tupou continues to defy Father Time and between them, they scored a stunning 43 tries.
Best player: Tedesco was an inspiration at fullback, scoring 11 tries, creating many more and proving a safe last line of defence.
Biggest disappointment: Spencer Leniu was brought to the club on big dollars to give the Roosters a hard edge up front, but he was strangely quiet in many games.
Key signing: It’s yet to be confirmed but Daly Cherry-Evans is certain to be a Rooster in 2026 and his steady hand could fix the team’s high mistake rate issues.
2026 gains: Reece Robson (Cowboys), Daly Cherry Evans (Sea Eagles)
2026 losses: Brandon Smith (Rabbitohs), Chad Townsend (retired)
