Anthony Griffin’s verdict: Why Roosters are different in bid for NRL history

In recent years the Rabbitohs, Sharks and Cowboys broke title droughts, but the following season proved too difficult to climb that mountain again. The Roosters can buck that trend.

Sydney Roosters’ biggest strength in 2019 will be their desire. That’s what will have them on the verge of becoming the first club in 26 years to win back-to-back premierships.

In recent years, South Sydney, Cronulla and North Queensland have broken long premiership droughts, but the following season proved too difficult to emotionally climb that mountain again.

The Roosters are different. Coach Trent Robinson and his senior players have all been on that trek before — numerous times.

Under Robinson, they have won two titles and four minor premierships since 2013. Cooper Cronk has played in eight grand finals, winning five. And they have the same coach and 14 of the premiership team from 2018.

The combination between the playmakers will improve. They have recruited well and Latrell Mitchell, Joseph Manu and Victor Radley are a year older.

Robinson has a very strong group of leaders to work with. Boyd Cordner is the Australia and NSW captain, Jake Friend has now captained a premiership and Cronk showed in the grand final last year just how much influence he has had on this team.

You can throw in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Mitch Aubusson who have both been part of the past six years. Robinson and his current group of leaders are expected to win every year and most times they have in some form. They have already got over the hangovers and felt what it’s like to be the hunted.

THE BACKS

On the left, giant winger Daniel Tupou will partner young Mitchell who had a breakout year, scoring 17 tries and kicking 90 goals to be the game’s highest scorer with 248 points.

He is a seriously talented athlete who uses his size and speed to score tries that others cannot. Joseph Manu will line up again at right centre and, like Mitchell, is an outstanding young player. He made his debut for the Kiwis in October. Recruit Brett Morris has played mostly on the left but it appears he will start on the right outside Manu.

THE SPINE

Cronk and Luke Keary are the best in the league. Cronk reads the game brilliantly and makes everybody else’s job easier through direction and execution.

Keary loves to run and use his speed and possesses a good kicking game. He is a nightmare for edge defences. James Tedesco finished the year off in great form as well. He seemed a little lost early on but once he grew comfortable with his new halves, his form took off. Add hooker, co-captain and dual premiership winner Jake Friend and the Roosters have the best playmaker group in the NRL. The authority that Cronk plays with has made Friend’s role easier and, in doing so, made him more dangerous.

Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary are the best in the business. Picture: Richard Dobson

THE FORWARDS

If last year’s forward pack was good enough to win the comp, the 2019 model looks even stronger.

Waerea-Hargreaves, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Radley should be the middle starters. Radley impressed in his first full season in the NRL. At age 20, he has so much improvement in him. He is a fantastic hitter and skilful ball carrier.

Co-captain Cordner on the left and the addition of Angus Crichton on the right give the Roosters two of the best edge backrowers in the game.

The interchange forwards offer plenty as well. Aubusson, who played the early part of 2019 at right centre before finishing at right edge, provides fantastic value for them off the bench.

Isaac Liu can play lock and edge back row and is a genuine starter if needed. Lindsay Collins and Zane Tetevano can rotate through the middle.

Angus Crichton improves an already strong Roosters pack. Picture: Getty Images

VERDICT

The obvious danger for defending premiers can be a drop in attitude and motivation. Robinson will be working hard on resetting their goals and jumping on any signs of complacency.

The other concern is the representative toll and injuries. Other than that, if the Roosters are intact and entrenched somewhere in the top eight around the end of July, look out. We could witness the first back-to-back titles in 26 years.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Egan Butcher, the 18-year-old brother of Nat, has plenty of ability. He is a powerful backrower who represented NSW under-18s last year.

STAT’S AMAZING

The Roosters are great frontrunners. In 2018, they led at half-time in 17 games and went on to win 16 of them.

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