Why Roosters don’t have to prop-up talent to cover Dylan Napa’s Bulldogs move

This time last year the Sydney Roosters forwards were copping it from every direction. But now the are ready to cover Dylan Napa’s expected move to the Bulldogs from within.

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This time last year the Sydney Roosters returned for pre-season training with a conga line of critics lining up to question if they had the up front muscle to challenge for the NRL title.

But such has been the dramatic turnaround in opinions following an inspired grand final triumph, the Roosters are now in a position to cover the potential loss of Dylan Napa from within.

While Napa is weighing up a $2 million three-year deal on offer at Canterbury, underrated prop Zane Tetevano doesn’t want to go anywhere and is currently negotiating for an extension.

Roosters have talent to cover impending loss of Dylan Napa. Picture: AAP

There has been interest in Tetevano from other clubs but after rebuilding his career following a troubled start at Newcastle the 28-year-old has come of age at Bondi and is looking to settle in.

Providing terrific impact off the bench all season, Tetevano was one of the unsung heroes on grand final night with a mighty game despite suffering a ruptured bicep that required post-season surgery.

After stints playing in the Central Coast competition for Ourimbah and Wyong following his sacking at the Knights, Tetevano signed on with the Roosters for a very basic contract.

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But if not for the injury he picked up in the decider, Tetevano would have got his first crack at playing Test football for New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Napa is said to be questioning if the big money on offer at the Bulldogs is the right move for his career and you wouldn’t blame him given the dramatic difference in the quality of rosters.

Zane Tetevano has found his groove at the Bondi club. Picture: AAP

Either way, the Roosters are in a very strong position going forward when you take into account the young and old challenging for a spot at prop.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves showed this year he is a long way from finished while Siosiua Taukeiaho and Tetevano also had outstanding seasons.

Tetevano was averaging 92m in 37 minutes coming off the bench. In comparison, Napa averaged 71m in 41 minutes.

Taukeiaho and Waerea-Hargreaves are likely starters for the Roosters in 2019. Picture: Getty

Lindsay Collins is another looking to cement his place in the top 17 after losing his spot to Napa in the grand final, while Poasa Faamausili will be pushing for more top grade appearances after making his NRL debut this year in a win over Gold Coast.

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