NRL 2024 Sydney Roosters roster rater: Can new recruits spark a Roosters revolution?

They struggled with injuries and mixed form in 2023 before making a late finals surge and with some savvy recruiting and youngsters on the rise the Roosters will improve in 2024.

Sydney Roosters Roster rater 2024

A Penrith firebrand who packs plenty of punch and an Englishman with speed to burn are the welcome additions to a Sydney Roosters side packed with superstars.

Dean Ritchie analyses the Roosters squad ahead of their 2024 campaign and rates them 1-26.

James Tedesco copped some unwarranted criticism in 2023 but remains the Roosters No.1 player. Picture: Getty Images

1. James Tedesco

Age: 30

Games: 226 (22 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2025

Copped unwarranted flak during 2023 but remains the Roosters leader and superstar. A champion whose form improved as the season progressed and the Roosters muscled into the finals.

2. Joseph Manu

Age: 27

Games 158 (21 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

One of the world’s finest players. Possesses every skill – power, speed and offload. Can play three positions and, at age 27, is coming into the best stretch of his wonderful career.

3. Sam Walker

Age: 21

Games: 56 (10 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2025

Mixed 2023 which included a shock demotion to NSW Cup. Refused to sulk and fought back into the NRL side with his eyes-up style. Played a key role in the Rooster late-season finals surge.

Sam Walker had a mixed 2023 season, capped off by his axing and injury woes, but played a key role in the Roosters late finals push. Picture: Getty Images

4. Luke Keary

Age: 31

Games: 205 (26 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Showed remarkable consistency when the Roosters hit tough times in 2023. Tough bugger who has become a key ally and mentor to young Sam Walker. Thrives in big games.

5. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Age: 34

Games: 298 (18 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Leader of the pack, leader of the club and the player every forward follows into battle. Constantly endures discipline issues but a player the Roosters love and look to when times are tough.

6. Lindsay Collins

Age: 27

Games: 90 (25 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2026

A future Roosters captain who excelled over the past two years through discipline and desire. A never-give-up attitude, combined with power and drive, has pushed Collins into the game’s elite bracket, which includes Origin and Test selection.

Roosters forward Lindsay Collins has improved out of sight in the last two years to cement his status as one of the competitions elite front rowers. Picture: NRL photos

7. Victor Radley

Age: 25

Games: 118 (21 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2027

Firebrand who lifts his side physically and emotionally. Encountered multiple discipline problems in recent years and always sails close to the wind in defence. But inspires teammates when needed.

8. Brandon Smith

Age: 27

Games: 128 (21 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024 (player option)

Came good after a slow start to 2023. Perhaps didn’t reach the heights the club would have expected but worked nicely into 2023 and finished strongly. Will be better in 2024 for the run.

9. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Age: 20

Games: 45 (21 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Patchy form during 2023. Started brilliantly, encountered a lull and then fought back to finish the season well. It’s his last season in rugby league so it will be interesting to monitor his focus. Has returned early for pre-season training this week which bodes well for the Roosters.

Joseph Suaalii started strong in 2023 but fell off a cliff. Can he bounce back to his best in 2024? Picture: Getty Images

10. Siua Wong

Age: 20

Games: 10 (10 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Brilliant prospect whose form surged late to cement his spot in the Roosters’ top-flight side. A player earmarked for the top who maybe took a year or so longer to get there than expected. Being heavily pursued but will remain at Bondi.

11. Spencer Leniu

Age: 23

Games: 83 (21 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2026

Fierce competitor who will bring fire and aggression. Learnt his trade at the ultra-professional Panthers and is now poised to take his game to a next level alongside former for Waerea-Hargreaves at Bondi.

12. Dominic Young

Age: 22

Games: 51 (25 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2027

Glamour player who scored 25 tries for Newcastle this year. With his power, awareness and speed, Young should prove unstoppable playing outside the gun Roosters backline.

Dominic Young starred for the Knights in 2023 and could be an unstoppable force in the Roosters backline. Picture: Getty Images

13. Angus Crichton

Age: 27

Games: 154 (13 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Experienced, hardened edge forward who regularly plays to a high, consistent standard. Dangerous with the ball and has played in a multitude of big games including grand finals, Origin matches and Tests.

14. Egan Butcher

Age: 23

Games: 48 (21 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2025

Under-rated on the outside but not inside the club. Came through the Roosters pathways system and boasts forward versatility. Enjoyed a breakout 2023.

15. Nat Butcher

Age: 26

Games: 126 (24 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Is there a more reliable Roosters forward in recent years? Became an NRL regular in 2022 and cemented his spot this year. Many think he can play Origin for NSW.

Like former Roosters Mr-Fix-it Mitch Aubusson, Nat Butcher has become one of the Roosters most reliable players. Picture: Getty Images

16. Daniel Tupou

Age: 32

Games: 241 (18 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Incredibly consistent player over more than a decade. Three-time premiership winner who has achieved everything rugby league has to offer. Wonderful finisher and equally impressive under the high ball.

17. Sitili Tupouniua

Age: 26

Games: 8 (85 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Been hindered by an ACL injury and therefore struggled to secure any consistency over the past two seasons. Difficult to contain when at his best through his wiry frame and unlimited power.

18. Terrell May

Age: 24

Games: 26 (17 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Has some clout in defence and impressed with his workload and work ethic. Many at the club predict May is ready for a bumper 2024 season.

19. Billy Smith

Age: 23

Games: 27 (15 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Enjoyed an injury-free period this year and flourished. Surprised many with his raw talent. Noted strong ball carrier. Has signed a one-year contract extension and looks set for a big season after things ended on a sour note when suffered a broken jaw against Cronulla in week one of the finals.

Billy Smith shook off the injury concerns that plagued his early career, featuring in more games than any season before. Picture: Getty Images

20. Connor Watson

Age: 27

Games: 125 (0 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2025

Freshly re-signed on a two-year extension, Watson has been among the best utility players in the NRL for several seasons now at the Roosters and Knights. Didn’t play an NRL game in 2023 due to injury in his first season back at Bondi. Primarily a lock or dummy half.

21. Sandon Smith

Age: 20

Games: 15 (15 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

Big plans for this young star. Primarily a halfback but can play anywhere in the spine, Made his NRL debut in round 14 this year. Was outstanding in the finals series as back-up hooker to Brandon Smith. One to watch.

22. Junior Pauga

Age: 27

Games: 13 (9 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

A late bloomer who made his Roosters debut this year aged 27 after two years with Wests Tigers. Ended up playing nine first grade games this year and will compete hard for a top-17 spot next season.

Making his NRL debut at 27 years of age, Junior Pauga impressed in a backup role and will be pushing for a starting spot in 2024. Picture: NRL Photos

23. Naufahu Whyte

Age: 21

Games: 8 (11 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

A second-rower noted for his power and potential. Teammates are impressed with his physicality and toughness. Ready to take it up another level in 2024.

24. Tyler Moriarty

Age: 20

Games: 0 (0 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2025

Creative hooker/dummy half who played for the North Sydney Bears. Also represented NSW under-19s. Yet to play an NRL match.

25. Zach Dockar-Clay

Age: 28

Games: 14 (0 in 2023)

Contract ends: 2024

Veteran NSW Cup lock/utility who has played 105 reserve grade and 14 NRL matches for Canterbury. Steered Norths in the NSW Cup grand final this year. Gives the Roosters utility back up following the departure of Drew Hutchison to the Bulldogs.

26. Robert Toia

Age: 19

Games: 0 (0 in 2023)

Contract Ends: 2024

A hard running centre capable of causing immense damage. Came through the Roosters junior system and continues to impress the right people at Bondi. Has played Queensland under 19s. Suffered an ACL injury and is expected to miss the season.