As the National Rugby League season draws closer, we look at how the Sydney Roosters will go in 2021.
The Roosters would be disappointed with how they finished the 2020 season. After a big loss in the final round of the season against arch-rivals South Sydney, the Bondi side then lost their two finals matches: against Penrith and then Canberra. In 2021, the Roosters will be looking to return to the grand final.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Signings
Embed from Getty ImagesTuku Hau Tapuha, Adam Keighran (New Zealand Warriors), Joseph Suaalii, Naufahu Whyte.
Departures
Mitchell Aubusson (retired), Poasa Faamausili (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kyle Flanagan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Hull Kingston Rovers), Christian Tuipulotu (Manly Sea Eagles), Sonny Bill Williams (rugby union).
First Five
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (H), Wests Tigers (A), South Sydney (A), New Zeland Warriors (H), Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (H).
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Roosters should have a pretty good season in 2021, although they may miss out on another grand final. The return of players such as Victor Radley and Sam Verills will be a major bonus, however they will be without the services of captain Boyd Cordner for the first 12 games of the season due to concussions.
Embed from Getty ImagesRadley will be one of the key players for the Roosters this season after he missed most of last season with an ACL injury. The Roosters sorely missed his defence around the middle of the park, especially against the top teams.
The Roosters have been pretty quiet on the signing front, with the only notable signings being Joseph Suaalii and former Warriors hooker Adam Keighran. Keighran is a decent signing, but he will find himself behind Jake Friend and Sam Verills. The Suaalii signing was the talk of rugby league circles for a while in the off-season; however being only 17 he may not get a taste of first grade this season.
The Roosters have a pretty decent draw: they face defending premiers Melbourne and the Rabbitohs early, but they still have the chance to get off to a good start. The last two games will be the worry: they face the Rabbitohs again, who put 60 points on them at the end of the season, and Canberra – the team that dumped them out of the finals.
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
Embed from Getty ImagesTop Tryscorer – Brett Morris.
Embed from Getty ImagesTop Pointscorer – Siosiua Taukeiaho.
Embed from Getty ImagesClub Player of the Year – Victor Radley.
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