NRL 2024 coach Q&A: Where the Roosters will improve after below par 2023

Roosters coach Trent Robinson says he was disappointed in the outcome but proud of the spirit displayed by his squad in 2023. FULL Q&A HERE

Roosters coach Trent Robinson. Picture: NRL Imagery

Head coach Trent Robinson opens up to DEAN RITCHIE about how and why his Sydney Roosters will succeed in 2024.

RITCHIE: How did you rate 2023, Trent?

TRENT ROBINSON: Disappointed but proud. I was proud of the strength, resilience and character of our playing group and the way we continued to fight and grow as the season progressed, but obviously disappointed to bow out in the second week of finals. We rode a wave at the end of the year and we’re really proud of what we achieved. We became better defensively, we had much more resolve on our goal line, had much more freedom in attack and started to develop the character we’ve known the Roosters to be.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson. Picture: NRL Imagery

RITCHIE: Did you admire the way Sam Walker fought back from his demotion last season?

TR: I’ve admired Sam since he joined the Roosters. There’s been lots of game winning moments and tough times whether it be through injury or demotion but he continues to show a hunger to improve year-on-year.

RITCHIE: James Tedesco copped some criticism last year. Many thought it was over-the-top?

TR: From my view, not enough thought it was over-the-top. I’ll never doubt a champion and that’s what he is.

RITCHIE: Are you confident Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will remain committed for this season given he is leaving rugby league?

TR: Joseph is with us in 2024 and no one within our walls questions his commitment to this club or his teammates.

Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco copped plenty of criticism in 2023. Picture: NRL Photos

RITCHIE: Where is the club situated with Joey Manu’s contract?

TR: Without underplaying the interest there deserves to be in him, it’s progressing.

RITCHIE: Do you always feel pressure to succeed given the club’s wonderful history?

TR: Pressure’s a gift and the expectations within myself and the club are always high.

RITCHIE: What do you hope assistant coach Justin Holbrook can bring to the Roosters?

TR: Justin’s an outstanding coach. He’s played and coached at the Roosters so he knows the club well, and it was just great timing that we were able to welcome him back this year. His main area of focus is our attack and his transition back into the club has been seamless.

Roosters forward Lindsay Collins took his game to another level in 2023. Picture: NRL photos

RITCHIE: What do you think of Lindsay Collins?

TR: I’ve loved watching Lindsay’s progression as a player and leader. ‘Linds’ made a choice at the end of 2022 that he was going to have his best year of footy. He made changes to his lifestyle, training and prep and he became our best player for 2023. And he’s shown that front rowers can lead the way but also do the one percenters that were normally left to other positions.

RITCHIE: What do you expect from Panthers recruit Spencer Leniu?

TR: I expect him to be himself, a powerful, explosive prop. And to then develop into a Roosters player.

RITCHIE: How was Spencer and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves meeting for the first time?

TR: We were all very pleased to welcome Spence into the Roosters fold, Jared included.

RITCHIE: How is Dom Young, given he had some medical problems during the off-season?

TR: He’s tracking well under the guidance of our medical team.

Originally published as NRL 2024 coach Q&A: Where the Roosters will improve after below par 2023