NRL - Sydney Roosters 2018 Season Preview and Prediction
Sydney Roosters 2018 Season Preview
Last Season - 4th, 16 wins, 8 Losses, 496 Points Scored, 457 Points Conceded (Lost Prelim Final)
Last 5 Seasons (2013) Premiers (1st regular season), Preliminary Final (1st regular season), Preliminary Final (1st regular season), 15th, Preliminary Final (2nd regular season)
2017 Review - The Roosters managed to right their ship from a disastrous 2016, bouncing back from 15th to 2nd after an off-season makeover, including the signings of Luke Keary and Michael Gordon. However, for mine, despite the side’s excellent regular season, they were incredibly disappointing in losing the Preliminary Final against the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium as they entered the game as heavy favourites. The Roosters have now finished as Minor Premiers three times, and second once, in the past five years, yet have only made one Grand Final for one Premiership. So despite their ability to win games, for mine, it’s a slightly underwhelming return in the big games. The side looked fantastic when at their best last season, with a vibrant attacking game. However, they also had the ability to shoot themselves in the foot too often, with dumb errors and penalties eventually proving their downfall in a few close games.
2018 Gains - Gains: James Tedesco (Tigers - 2021), Cooper Cronk (Storm - 2019), Reece Robinson (NSW Waratahs - 2018), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Wigan)
2018 Losses: Kane Evans (Eels), Aidan Guerra (Knights), Liam Knight (Raiders), Connor Watson (Knights), Paul Carter, Brenden Santi, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Michael Gordon (Titans), Grant Garvey (released)
What to Make of their Gains and Losses - The Roosters made a real splash heading into 2018, nabbing Wests Tigers and NSW Origin fullback James Tedesco. Tedesco will bring another dimension to the Roosters' attack, that Michael Gordon couldn't, with his electric speed and ball running ability. I think he is quite possibly the best signing of any NRL club all summer. However, that wasn't their biggest splash as the Club also managed to pull two-time Premiership winner and Origin legend, Melbourne Storm halfback Cooper Cronk. Cronk will bring outstanding professionalism and culture to a Roosters' culture that has been a bit loose at times. However, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the Sydney fishbowl, as well as the Roosters’ style of play. Cronk has had the luxury of Cameron Smith feeding him the ball his whole career in Craig Bellamy’s system, and the move outside of that throws up a few questions marks.
The Roosters' loss of Mitchell Pearce was probably inevitable when they brought in Cooper Cronk. However, it was messy to a player that has served the Club so well. Pearce would have had plenty of close mates in that dressing room, and the way he essentially was pushed aside might have taken some aback. The Roosters have also lost plenty of experience with the likes of Aidan Guerra and Michael Gordon moving on, as well as young gun Connor Watson who headed to the Knights. If injuries strike, they don't appear to have the quality depth they had in previous years.
Head Coach - Trent Robinson (6th Season) - Trent Robinson has risen from relative obscurity from when he was picked as a rookie Head Coach to lead the Roosters in 2013, to be one of the premier coaches in the game. Robinson is generally a calm and very considered and thoughtful coach, and his demeanour is often offset by some of the chaos that surrounds the Bondi Club. Despite leading the Club to a Premiership in 2013, the Roosters have not won a title since, and had some disappointing finals' appearances. I think that’s why Robinson might have plumped for Cooper Cronk, to try and get that controlled head in a big game. However, the pressure will certainly be on Robinson to deliver a title this year, given the arrivals of Cronk and Tedesco to an already strong roster. Despite an outstanding regular season record of three Minor Premierships and four Top 4 finishes in five seasons, Robinson will feel another title is what their period of sustained success needs.
Most Important Player - Cooper Cronk – It’s simple really - if Cronk can get everyone on board on and off the field, and play his best football, then the Roosters have the most talent in the competition and can deliver where they fell short last season. However, if they don't make the Grand Final, this signing will be considered a failure, given Cronk is 34 and Mitchell Pearce was virtually forced out the door to accommodate him. Cronk has the head strong mentality and belief to rise to the challenge, however even he will be slightly out of his comfort zone not being at the Storm.
2018 Likely Side - 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 17. Nat Butcher 18 Frank-Paul Nuuasuala
2018 Verdict - 2nd The Roosters, for mine, have the most strike power in the competition. If this back line from 1-7 fires, then all teams are going to have their work cut out to go with them. I'm not 100% sold that Cronk will be an upgrade on Mitchell Pearce, purely as a halfback, however his control of big matches is proven. Tedesco should relish running off the likes of Cronk and Keary and could have an unbelievable season if he stays fit. Even someone like Latrell Mitchell has so much improvement in him if he can get himself fit and focused.
I think the Roosters’ forward pack has a few doubts about it given their meek performance at the back end of last season. Jake Friend has gone a little off the boil the past couple of seasons and his attacking threat has been dulled. With Dylan Napa off contract, and with no Angus Crichton until 2019, I don’t think they can afford too many injuries up front if they want to dominate some of the stronger sides in the middle of the field. Their back row is not overly strong for mine, and their bench is reasonable rather than having dynamic impact players.
At their best, this team is clearly good enough to win the competition. However, some mental scars from previous finals' series will have to be overcome. Most of all, they need to learn to be a disciplined outfit and make less errors in big moments. Last year they had the talent, but not the composure under pressure. This side will make the Top 4 easily, and I think finish in second spot with 16-17 wins. However, it will be what they do in September that really defines them.