NRL 2024 scouting report: Suaalii, Tedesco, Walker issues to decide Sydney Roosters’ fate
All signs point to the Roosters challenging the Panthers for the NRL premiership. However, scratch the surface and there are issues for coach Trent Robinson to resolve.
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An impressive retention period, some key signings and squad depth the envy of most clubs means there will be no excuses for the Sydney Roosters putting in a legitimate NRL premiership challenge in 2024.
DEAN RITCHIE looks at the fortunes of the glamour club ahead of their title assault.
2023 RICH 100 REPS: James Tedesco (8, $1.1m), Luke Keary (26, $850,000), Joey Manu (30, $820,000), Brandon Smith (35, $800,000), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (49, $750,000), Joseph Suaalii (60, $700,000), Lindsay Collins (64, $675,000), Angus Crichton (77, $620,000), Victor Radley (95, $575,000)
FREE AGENCY WRAP AND RATING
Brought in two players and both are significant signings. Dom Young developed into a superstar at Newcastle in 2023, while rampaging front-rower Spencer Leniu became the aggressive x-factor of a pack which propelled Penrith to three successive premierships.
RATING: A
COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING: TRENT ROBINSON (2028)
The Roosters fell short of pre-season predictions in 2023, but Trent Robinson’s job is as safe as any in the NRL. The Roosters surged home to reach week two of the finals but there was still disappointment given they were early-season premiership favourites. If they fall short of expectations again, however, it will require a serious review.
SAFETY RATING: A
LIKELY DEBUTANT
Tyler Moriarty has been freshly elevated into the Roosters’ top-30 and the 20-year-old hooker is closing in on making his first NRL appearance.
A NSW under-19s representative from the Central Coast, Moriarty is a product of the Roosters Academy and highly regarded by the club, who allowed hooker Jake Turpin and utility Drew Hutchison to leave.
WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP: SIUA WONG
The young forward is ready to become a full-blooded NRL star. He showed late last season that he has the ability and commitment to become an elite player within the next two years. Dom Young is still young and could develop into a superstar at Bondi.
BURNING ISSUES
1. Can Sam Walker own the halfback spot?
Walker is clearly the club’s premier No.7 but was shocked to find himself dumped to NSW Cup early last season as the Roosters preferred Drew Hutchison and Joey Manu to partner Luke Keary.
Walker fought back to secure the halfback jumper for the club’s late-season surge. While he’s still only 21 and has just 56 NRL games to his name, Walker is entering his fourth season of first grade and needs to solidify his place as the Roosters’ long-term halves solution
2. James Tedesco v Father Time
Tedesco endured ongoing criticism — at all levels — over his form in 2023. Many claim the condemnation was excessive. While doubtful, the question remains over whether Tedesco’s confidence took a hit? It was the first time in Tedesco’s wonderful career where he copped sustained flak.
He will be 31 when the Roosters’ season kicks off in Las Vegas in March and, with two years remaining on his contract, continuing to perform at the elite level he has throughout his career will continue to be examined.
3. The rugby elephant in the room
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is, undoubtedly, all class on and off the field, but the circus surrounding his departure to rugby union at the end of next season could have an impact. Players often drift knowing they are leaving the club, and code, the following season.
Given the criticism the 20-year-old copped for deciding to defect, there will be added motivation to silence them.
Add to that revelations Joseph Manu is considering a short-term rugby stint at the end of next season, in a massive payday that would allow him to return to the Roosters midway through 2025, and there is some uncertainty around the Bondi club.
CRYSTAL BALL
The Roosters will be thereabouts yet again. They are a club full of swagger, optimism and professionalism. A quick look at their roster clearly shows this side should be there deep into September, more likely early October.
However, they haven’t advanced past week two of the finals in the previous four seasons, which isn’t the standard the Roosters accept.
Finish last five years
2023: 7th (eliminated in week two of the finals)
2022: 6th (eliminated in week one of the finals)
2021: 5th (eliminated in week two of the finals)
2020: 4th (eliminated in week two of the finals)
2019: Premiers
2024 TAB odds
Premiership: $10
Minor premiership: $9
To make grand final: $4.30
Top four: $2.10
Top eight: $1.28
To miss the top eight: $3.30
To miss the top four: $1.65
Most losses: $101
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Originally published as NRL 2024 scouting report: Suaalii, Tedesco, Walker issues to decide Sydney Roosters’ fate
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