NRL 2022: Sydney Roosters season preview, roster analysis, predicted finish, best starting team
The Roosters managed to limp into finals without Luke Keary in 2021, but can their star half deliver in his return from serious injury?
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The Roosters defied the odds in 2021, shaking off one of the worst runs of injuries in recent NRL history to continue their impressive streak of finals appearances.
After losing Luke Keary to an ACL injury in Round 3 and having a cloud over the future of Boyd Cordner, many had written them off.
However they managed to finish the year in fifth despite also losing the likes of Lindsay Collins, Joseph Manu, Billy Smith, Brett Morris, Josh Morris and Joseph Suaalii throughout the year to serious injury, while also having Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner forced into retirement.
One silver lining to the injury carnage of 2021 was the emergence of star young half Sam Walker, who set the NRL alight with his now signature harbour bridge cut out passes.
With the return of Luke Keary, alongside the emergence of Walker and the star power of James Tedesco, the Roosters may just be able to go all the way this year,
Michael Carayannis takes a deep dive into what to expect from Trent Robinson’s men in 2022.
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FINISHES THE PAST FIVE YEARS
2021: 5th (semi-finalists)
2020: 4th (semi-finalists)
2019: 2nd (Premiers)
2018: 1st (Premiers)
2017: 2nd (Preliminary final)
2022 ODDS
Premiership $7.50
Top four $1.75
Top eight $1.14
Most losses $101
2022 SQUAD
Renouf Atoni, Fletcher Baker, Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Moala Graham-Taufa, Drew Hutchison, Luke Keary, Adam Keighran, Lachlan Lam, Freddy Lussick, Joseph Manu, Ben Marschke, Paul Momirovski, Kevin Naiqama, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Joseph Suaalii, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Siosiua Taukeiaho, James Tedesco, Ben Thomas, Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua, Sam Verrills, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker, Connor Watson, Naufahu Whyte
INS: Connor Watson (Knights), Renouf Atoni (Bulldogs), Paul Momirovski (Panthers), Kevin Naiqama (St Helens).
OUTS: Isaac Liu (Titans), Josh Morris (retired), Brett Morris (retired), Jake Friend (retired), Boyd Cordner (retired), Dale Copley (retired), Matt Ikuvalu (Sharks).
SQUAD STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
The forward pack is imposing while their spine on paper can mix it with the best in the NRL. There are little weaknesses in the Roosters squad but they do lack a little bit of depth in the outside backs. The departures of the Morris twins plus long-term understudy Matt Ikuvalu leaves a hole.
Players in 2021 Rich 100: Seven
90. Victory Radley ($500,000)
59. Siosiua Taukeiaho ($650,000)
52. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($700,000)
43. Joey Manu ($720,000)
42 Angus Crichton ($720,000)
19. Luke Keary ($850,000)
3. James Tedesco ($1.1 million).
COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING
Nick Politis jokes that Trent Robinson will remain as coach long after the powerful chairman is gone. Robinson, who is now the Roosters most-capped coach, is contracted until the end of next season but there is little doubt he will extend his time at the club. Has already won three titles and guided the club to the finals in all but one of his nine years at the club. He lost no admirers after their injury-ravaged 2021 season. Would be in demand if he ever wanted to head elsewhere but shows no signs of that.
Safety rating: A+
WHAT THEY NEED TO TWEAK
A huge changing of the guard at the club. They had to grind their way to win matches last season but now they can add some polish to that. They will welcome back Luke Keary who will be pivotal to the club’s success. He will take pressure off youngster Sam Walker. Victor Radley in the middle of the field will continue to ball play while James Tedesco was forced to extend his attacking skillset in 2021.
FREE AGENCY WRAP
Free agency wrap: Brought in players they needed without a headline purchase. Connor Watson’s return to the club will be huge with the ex-Knight arguably the best utility in the competition. Paul Momirovski also finds his way back at the Roosters after premiership success at Penrith to land himself a starting centre spot. Kevin Naiqama adds experience outside while Renouf Atoni could emerge as one of the value purchases of the season.
WHICH PLAYER CAN THEY REINVENT?Billy Smith
Long earmarked as a first grade star, Smith has been hit by a raft of injuries which has plagued the outside back. He is almost the forgotten man in the NRL. Despite the mounting injury toll, the Roosters have kept the faith with Smith, who still has two seasons left on his deal. The 22-year-old has played just five top grade games since making his debut in 2019. Has ruptured his ACL twice and dislocated his shoulder during pre-season. Made his return late in the season but suffered a foot injury.
WILL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT/UPGRADED KIDS MAKE AN IMPACT?
Ben Marschke headlines a list of players who were on development contracts but have now moved into the top squad. He played more football than even he would have thought last season after featuring in 13 games. The hooker has a full-time contract and will be Sam Verrills’ understudy. Winger Moala Graham-Taufa, who played one top grade game, is also part of the top 30. Boom back-rower Naufahu Whyte, 19, has plenty of wraps and is contracted until the end of 2024. Roosters just have two development players for 2022 in prop Tuku Hau Tapuha and halfback Ronald Volkman.
WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP? Naufahu Whyte
Whyte was among a host of players who featured in the NRL probably before their time because of the Roosters injury toll. The 19-year-old played three games but is expected to have a lot more game time this year after they extended his deal. At 192cm he stands as tall as enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. A really bright future even if his appearances are limited early in the year.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR … Luke Keary
Keary was the best half in the game just a few seasons ago. Concussion battles and a season-ending knee injury has meant the one-time NSW five-eighth has spent too much time on the sidelines. Keary also had off-season surgery on his ankle which has delayed his return to full fitness but he’s expected to be right to start the season. It will be a different looking Roosters side when he next takes to the field. Much of the Roosters success will rest on his shoulders but can he return to his best?
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH IN 2022 — Premiers
Based on a healthy roster and the foundation they laid – highlighted by their resolve in – makes the Roosters an imposing proposition for rival clubs. They have lost a lot of experience but you take a look at the side and there is still genuine star power. The combination of Tedesco, Walker and Keary could emerge as the best in the competition. 1st.
CAPTAINCY CONTENDERS
James Tedesco will again lead the side. He filled the void impressively given the premature retirements of Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend. Luke Keary also shared the captaincy duties with Tedesco early last season so it remains to be seen if Robinson will again split the roles or if Tedesco has done enough to lead alone.
FOX SPORTS LAB’S AARON WALLACE SAYS …
Plenty has been written about the Roosters injury crisis, but missing so many players so frequently makes it difficult to review a seemingly successful unsuccessful season. If you consider their 15 “certainties” to be picked every week at the start of the season the Roosters played 12 games missing at least seven of the 15, and a further eight games missing six.
The good to come from all the chaos may well be from the nine rookies they fielded during the season, the most of any team including Sam Walker who finished the season with eight tries and 21 try assists. All up they used 34 players - the club’s equal most in the NRL Era
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