Inside the Sydney Roosters’ production line of talent: Successful pathways system on display in first grade

Move over, Penrith – the NRL has a new pathway to rugby league stardom. An analysis of the Roosters squad dispels the myths about the club’s so-called lack of juniors, but also has the Tricolours set up for a potential loss of homegrown talent.

Move over, Penrith. The NRL has a new pathway to rugby league stardom, and based on the past three years, it goes right through Bondi.

A deep dive into this week’s squad to face Canberra has revealed 17 of the 24-man squad have made their first grade debut at the Sydney Roosters.

And 10 of them in their last three years.

It’s an academy that not only dispels the myth about their so-called lack of juniors, but has the Tricolours set up for a potential loss of homegrown talent.

With Daly Cherry-Evans all but confirmed for a beachside switch, speculation is rife that his arrival could force some of their young stars to look elsewhere to remain in first grade.

But Roosters legend Jake Friend said the attraction of working with Cooper Cronk and Mitchell Pearce will ensure the club will be well stocked with young playmakers.

New Maroons star Robert Toia headlines the list of the Roosters’ homegrown talents. Picture: NRL Photos

“Cooper has played a role in mentoring those younger boys in the academy,” said Friend, who heads up their academy program.

“Hugo (Savala) came through during the COVID era, missing some crucial years of development.

“Cooper and Mitch have contributed to developing key positions with our young players, which has helped our club bring these talents through.”

Savala is just one of a number of Roosters to have debuted since 2023, including Sandon Smith, Benaiah Ioelu, Salesi Foketi and State of Origin graduate Robert Toia.

You could also add the five-eighth the Roosters face at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, Canberra youngster Ethan Strange.

Sydney Roosters Academy head coach Jake Friend. Picture: Roosters Digital

While Friend would like to retain all his halves emerging from the system, the three-time premiership winner acknowledges that it’s an impossible task.

“You can’t keep them all,” he said.

“And there will always be differing opinions, but it’s healthy.

The next group coming through the Roosters academy includes SG Ball grand final player of the match Toby Rodwell, Jake Elliott, and Reece Foley.

Friend believes his young cohort is on the right path, but the club’s academy system is rigorous, depending on players’ attitudes.

“It’s an excellence program,” Friend said.

“We will provide every opportunity to ensure you’re using the academy correctly and taking advantage of it, because if you’re not, you may be out of the academy. It’s cutthroat.”

Originally published as Inside the Sydney Roosters’ production line of talent: Successful pathways system on display in first grade