2023 Sydney Roosters Preview

After being bundled out in the finals early, it’s grand final or bust for the team from Bondi Junction.

Preview

SQUAD

Corey Allan, Fletcher Baker, Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Drew Hutchison, Luke Keary, Joseph Manu, Terrell May, Paul Momirovski, Jaxson Paulo, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Brandon Smith, Joseph Suaali’i, James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua, Jake Turpin, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker, Connor Watson, Naufahu Whyte, Siua Wong, Thomas Deakin, Vuate Karawalevu, Sandon Smith. Coach: Trent Robinson. (as at February 11)

BEST SEVENTEEN

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargraves, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley, 14. Conor Watson, 15. Nat Butcher, 16. Egan Butcher 17. Fletcher Baker.

BEST SIGNING

As good as it is to sign players away from South Sydney, Brandon Smith is undoubtedly the most notable signing for season 2023. While the Roosters haven’t been lacking at dummy half, Sam Verrils had some big shoes to fill, he did it very well, but Smith will bring with him some considerable match experience.

KEY PLAYER

Luke Keary will be the key player this season. He and Sam Walker got off to a slow start last season, but they did steer the Bondi side to the finals when, at one stage, it looked like they wouldn’t make it. He is an integral part of the team as long as he stays healthy.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The youngster showed what he could do last season, and it will only go up a notch this year. Joseph Suaalii has speed, strength, and is cool as a cucumber under the high ball. You will probably see him and Paul Momirovski swap between wing and centre.

The problem for the Roosters will be trying to retain Suaalii’s services, especially if Rugby comes knocking.

PREVIEW

It keeps being said at the start of their season, and this one is no different. Many people have the Roosters second behind the Panthers, and it’s easy to see why. On paper, it’s a side that could win a premiership.

Unfortunately, due to personal issues, Angus Crichton will miss some of the season. And Conor Watson and Sitili Tupouniua will miss at least the early rounds (with injuries), so their depth and resolve will be tested early.

Brandon Smith is the most significant signing this season, and the New Zealand international will bring a lot of experience with him. Buying such a player always meant that the Roosters would be in danger of losing one, with Sam Verrills heading to the Gold Coast. But there should be a chance for a good one-two punch with Drew Hutchison until Conor Watson returns from injury.

A slow start is not a death knell for a team, but when it comes to Origin time, you will need those wins when players are out. Or even when there is a lengthy injury list. A good start is required to do better than they did last season.