NRL 2023: How NRL’s most pampered team, Sydney Roosters can turn season around | Buzz Rothfield

Nick Politis ensures the Sydney Roosters never go without anything, and now they’re playing like a team without desire. But its not too late to turn it around in 2023, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

The Sydney Roosters are the NRL’s most pampered team, writes Phil Rothfield. Picture: NRL Imagery.

The Sydney Roosters are the most pampered team in the NRL.

You walk into their new Centre of Excellence and the entrance could be mistaken for a six-star hotel or a Qantas first class lounge.

A stunning reception desk crafted from imported marble, fresh flowers, a state-of-the-art gym, lecture theatre, kitchen, dining area, games room, a sauna and recovery pools.

They’ve been given exclusive NRL access to the $1 billion Allianz Stadium, the best venue in the state.

Six weeks ago the club even purchased a luxury bus for the players to travel to games in comfort.

Their billionaire chairman Nick Politis ensures they never go without anything.

The problem is they are now playing like a team that lacks desire and desperation, flogged 68-10 in the last two weeks. They look too comfortable and too indulged.

The Sydney Roosters are the NRL’s most pampered team, writes Phil Rothfield. Picture: NRL Imagery.

There’s the old saying in sport that a champion team will always beat a team of champions.

It best sums up the Roosters and a diabolical Friday night performance against Penrith.

On paper they still have arguably the best roster of all 17 teams.

They started the season as favourites alongside the Penrith Panthers, fielding a team in round one worth $3 million on paper more than the Dolphins – but got rolled 28-18.

Ever since they have failed to connect as a team.

There have been disruptions along the way via Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s rugby deal, the axing of Sam Walker and speculation around their highly regarded assistant coach Jason Ryles.

So many of their stars are down on form.

Nick Politis always makes sure the Roosters never go without anything, even buying a new luxury bus to transport the players in comfort.

Brandon Smith: An $800,000 import but struggling because he’s still got the body shape of a middle forward from his days at Melbourne Storm. Lacks the sharpness of a Damien Cook, Api Koroisau, Jeremy Marshall-King, Harry Grant or Reece Robson. There’s definitely a concern around his service to the halves. Also missed NINE tackles against the Panthers.

Victor Radley: A victim of the NRL’s sin bin blitz and the fact his game is now over-policed by referees. Seems to be holding back out of concern for leaving the team with 12 players. As a result he’s nowhere near as menacing as he used to be.

James Tedesco: The Kangaroos, NSW Blues and Roosters skipper will be first picked for Origin on reputation, not form. Penrith’s Dylan Edwards and Latrell Mitchell are way ahead on recent performances. Edwards made 188 metres on Friday night, Tedesco 82. His average run metres this year are the lowest since 2016. After 11 rounds he’s had just three try assists and scored only one try.

Brandon Smith is struggling to have an impact as he still has the body of a middle forward from his time in Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: Affected by the noise around his $5m rugby union deal and living up to price tag expectation as the highest paid footballer in the country. Missing tackles and not breaking the line. Should move to the wing to regain his confidence. Or even take a spell in NSW Cup.

Joey Manu: The switch to five-eighth has been a failure. He won golden boot last year on his performances for the Kiwis as a fullback, not a five-eighth.

Angus Crichton: Missed having an off-season and being a late starter. Trying hard each week but lacks the impact from previous seasons.

Luke Keary: Not the player he once was. Has struggled to connect with Smith and Manu and was playing better with Sam Walker in the side.

We could keep on going … just about every player has been down on form.

There’s still time for the Roosters to recover. You don’t win – or lose – titles as early as May.

They somehow need to get back to their old values.

The values that were the trademark of Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend’s leadership.

Good old-fashioned hard work and strong principles.

That’s the only way they are going to get back on track.