CHOOKS’ DESTINY TO BE WRITTEN IN THE STARS
A STAR-STUDDED roster with a coach who knows what it takes to carry his side through a season and all the way to the premiership. Yes, there is so much to like about the Sydney Roosters, but there’s also questions on just how long it will take for Brandon Smith to learn how to play the Roosters’ way.
BACKLINE
What a backline. Any backline that has the experience of skipper James Tedesco and the freakish ability of Joey Manu is one that strikes fear into the opposition. Then you add Joseph Suaalii, who is just so naturally gifted, then Daniel Tupou and new recruit Jaxson Paulo, two big bodies on the wing, and you’ve
got a damn potent backline.
FORWARD PACK
Undeniably a world-class pack with a lethal frontrow rotation of Lindsay Collins, Matt Lodge and Jared WaereaHargreaves. You add Victor Radley, Angus Crichton (who will take an indefinite break from the NRL), the Butcher brothers Egan and Nat, plus Sitili Tupouniua, coming back from injury. It’s a pack loaded with size, footwork and experience. If there is one question mark it’s that Collins has had a few injuries now and JWH isn’t getting any younger.
SPINE
It is one of the elite spines in the competition, but I do have my concerns. I know what Tedesco will bring each week. But Luke Keary’s health is a worry for me. He is a wonderful footballer and his commitment is phenomenal, but he has had several head knocks now and his ability to stay on the park is paramount for the Roosters. The other concern is Smith at dummy-half. The former Storm rake is tough and tenacious, undeniably. But watching the trial matches, I feel it could take time before he finds that balance between Brandon Smith footy and the Roosters’ style of footy.