NRL 2024: How Panthers star Taylan May can solve Roosters’ long-term backline puzzle

A revolving door of exits and re-signings at the Roosters has left coach Trent Robinson with a complicated backline puzzle in 2024 and beyond. One key signing would solve any long-term problems.

The backline battle is heating up at the Roosters after Billy Smith re-signed with the club.

The race for Round 1 starting spots in the star-studded Sydney Roosters backline has taken a twist following the long-term re-signing of Billy Smith.

The three-year deal for the 24-year-old, who has played just 27 NRL games, has confirmed his standing in Trent Robinson’s long-term pecking order.

“This extension is testament to the hard work Billy puts in every day. He is Eastern Suburbs through and through, and no one can ever question his dedication to the team, or his resilience, so it’s great to have Billy locked in for another three years,” Robinson said.

Adding to the intrigue, the announcement comes just a day after shock revelations that star centre Joseph Manu could quit the Bondi club at season’s end to take up a rich deal in French rugby.

The race for round one starting spots at the Roosters is heating up, after Billy Smith re-signed with the club. Picture: Getty Images

While putting together the backline puzzle for 2025 is relatively straight forward, the same can’t be said for the shape of this year’s line-up.

All eyes will be on the Roosters’ pre-season games against Manly and South Sydney to see what combinations Robinson goes with for their season opener against Brisbane in Las Vegas.

The Roosters are blessed with an embarrassment of backline riches, but Robinson could just have dropped a massive hint on his plans.

Smith was widely considered the player most at risk of being squeezed out of the starting line-up following the arrival of English international Dominic Young from Newcastle.

However, the length of the deal is a show of confidence from the Roosters in Smith’s ability as a strike centre.

Daniel Tupou has been a mainstay on the wing for the Roosters, but time is not on his side. Picture: Getty Images

MAY DAY

Canterbury this week pulled out of the race to sign Roosters prop Terrell May for next season, however he has been linked to St George Illawarra and Cronulla.

May has publicly stated his desire to play alongside his brothers – Penrith winger Taylan and Catalans utility back Tyrone.

If the Roosters can re-sign May, Taylan May, who has made no secret of his desire to play in the centres, would potentially be a significant addition to the backline.

THE 2024 PUZZLE

James Tedesco will be the Roosters’ fullback, Manu owns the right centre spot and Young is expected to slot straight into a wing position.

That leaves Smith, three-time premiership winning flyer Daniel Tupou and rugby bound Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in a battle for the remaining wing and centre spots.

Tupou, 32, has been a mainstay on the wing for Robinson for more than a decade. However, age is the question mark for the club’s all-time leading tryscorer.

He signed a one-year extension to play on in 2024, which is expected to be his last in the NRL. And it seems unlikely he would have agreed to play on and finish a distinguished career in reserve grade.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is leaving the game at the end of the season, but has proven himself as an immense talent. Picture: NRL Photos

Suaalii has proven himself more effective on the wing than in the centres since making his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2021.

Although he’s leaving at the end of the season, the 20-year-old is an immense talent, having scored 15 tries in 19 games on his way to being named Dally M winger of the year in 2022.

Smith’s progression has been impressive, considering the series of serious knee injuries that have hampered him in his short career.

He has played just 27 first-grade games since making his debut in 2019, and 15 of those came last season after making his comeback in Round 10.

“The club has always had a lot of belief in me, and I know that my best footy is still ahead of me,” Smith said.

“I can’t wait for what’s to come and I’m looking forward to continuing to play my role for the team.”

2025 AND BEYOND

If Manu joins Suaalii in exiting the Roosters at the end of the year, the backline will take a very different shape in 2025.

Tedesco will enter the final year of his current deal and will retain the fullback spot.

Dominic Young and incoming Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase are expected to fill the flanks, with Smith and highly regarded youngster Robert Toia the centre options.

Junior Pauga.

Originally published as NRL 2024: How Panthers star Taylan May can solve Roosters’ long-term backline puzzle