YOUNG & RESTLESS FOR REDEMPTION

The Sydney Roosters had a less than convincing season last year, and still managed to scrape into the finals. But they need to find huge improvement to meet their premiership potential, especially after a recruitment run that landed them Penrith prop Spencer Leniu and Newcastle winger Dominic Young.

BACKS

The addition of prolific tryscorer Dom Young adds another touch of class to the already star-studded backline, which includes one of the best players in the game in Joseph Manu, as well as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Daniel Tupou. Recently re-signed centre Billy Smith gives them more depth but could be the man to miss out when everyone is fit, which says enough about the quality in the squad. Together, they make up the tallest backline in NRL history.

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James Tedesco, Luke Keary and Brandon Smith make up one of the most experienced spines in the competition, even factoring in 21year-old halfback Sam Walker, who is still learning his craft.

Smith should be better again after his debut season at Bondi, while Tedesco has returned his quickest 60m times in three years over the summer. The burden of this is expectation, and when the Roosters aren’t at their best, this trio are the first to feel the heat. They’ll want more from themselves in 2024, coming off a below-par season.

FORWARDS

Queensland prop Lindsay Collins was far and away their best player in 2023 and time is on his side to keep getting better. The addition of premiership-winning forward Spencer Leniu adds more grunt to the pack and a point of difference they’ve needed recently.

Expect Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to play with added purpose after announcing 2024 as his last year at the Roosters.

Throw in Angus Crichton, Victor Radley and Nat Butcher, and impressive edge forwards Sitili Tupouniua, Siua Wong and Naufahu Whyte, and there is no reason for the Chooks to be beaten through the middle.