NRL 2025 Pre-Season Thread

[mitch222]

And what do you do with Gray? I really feel in addition to everything you said Big Pete, with all those options they have, if it takes Bennett too long to figure out how best to fit everyone, they might be coming from too far back.

Dodd is a really good halfback but can he take the reins of an experienced and arguably set in their ways NRL side with a few potentially prickly characters? I'm not sure.

I'd be really tempted to go with Gray at 1 and Latrell in the centres but if you do that, what do you do with Walker and Wighton given Graham at his best in my opinion is the best centre in the comp. That said, given how long he's been out, what version of Graham will come back?

So many question marks around that side and so much Jekyll and Hyde in there. Regardless of the calibre of player, I'm not sure the collective mindset is professional enough to actually contend when the whips are cracking. I could see them somehow scraping into top four equally as much as finishing bottom four. Weird side.

Maybe second best but there is a long margin between Chricton and anyone else at the moment. The bloke is just a stud.

 

[1910]

Let's take a look...

South Sydney Rabbitohs 2025
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Lewis Dodd/Jayden Sullivan
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Peter Mamouzelos/Jamie Humphreys
10. Jai Arrow
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Euan Aitken
13. Cameron Murray

14. Siliva Havili
15. Tallis Duncan/Sean Keppie/Shaq Mitchell
16. Davy Moale
17. Josh Schuster

So in the modern NRL you have the Penrith Panthers who are an absolute phenomenon no questions asked. Then you have a team like Melbourne who even when they're struggling still manage to make the Top 4 and just keep on rolling. Then there's the Roosters who have a fantastic team on paper but can't quite match it with those teams and always seem to leave their run too late.

Below them is South Sydney who have this brilliant core that can beat anyone on their day but have completely lost the plot the past couple of years. It was amazing just how quickly it all fell apart. Half-way through 2023 they were the form team of the competition and had an embarrassment of riches with Jack Wighton joining the next year. A year later they're sending out an SOS to Bennett as all the star players start going AWOL.

They've completely underachieved and while they've veered off course they have a coach who can make the big calls and win the big matches. He doesn't always get it right and sometimes it's a case of so close yet so far but with him on board I certainly feel more confident than I did with Demetriou and Hornby respectively.

I think the reason why they're being favoured so much is because they have arguably the best back and the best forward in the competition in Latrell and Murray. We've seen what both can do on their day and if Bennett can unlock them it'll just allow so much to fall into place. Ever since leaving the Roosters Latrell has been complacent but I think his time is drawing to a close and if he doesn't sort himself out quickly he knows he could be entering the next phase of his life prematurely. One last serious run with Bennett could be just the inspiration he needs.

The forwards need to really lift. If Tatola and Arrow can get back to their best that will be a huge boost because Souths were awful in the ruck last year. I like the Aitken and Schuster purchases - it's two sides of the coin where you have a reliable player in Aitken who can slot in. Then you have the high ceiling player in Schuster who could be a match-winner. Bennett will have to manage him well and there's a risk factor there but that could be a huge boon.

Also have my doubts around halves and hooker. Will they be able to direct traffic and control possession? WIll they take the pressure off the other players and allow them to shine? I'm not even sold on the halves I've named - even Bennett didn't seem to recognise Dodd from what I saw. Sullivan just seems like another back-up half to play alongside Gerome Burns. It could very well be a Wighton/Walker combo for all I know.

You lost me at no Jye Gray.

 

[Sproj]

You lost me at no Jye Gray.

Put Mitchell at centre? What you do with Wighton / Walker / Dodds?

 

[1910]

Put Mitchell at centre? What you do with Wighton / Walker / Dodds?

No clue but I would always have Gray.

 

[Big Pete]

I'm a fan of Gray and I'm sure he'll play a role through out the campaign but I think Latrell at fullback will be the preferred option.

Otherwise if Gray forces Wayne's hand I'd expect two options.

1. Gray
3. Graham
4. Mitchell
6. Wighton
7. Walker

1. Mitchell
3. Graham
4. Wighton
6. Gray
7. Walker

I could see Bennett going the Trai Fuller route and naming Gray on the bench as well.

I was really harsh on Parramatta during my write-up. While I stand by my low expectations, I'm more interested in looking at a team's style of play and what they'll be looking to do in the season ahead. I decided to do some more digging and I just wanted to share a wonderful website The Cumberland Throw which has some of the best coverage in the game.

One of the writers is there everyday at training and constantly reports what's happening and who is impressing him. They also seem to have some intel, so for instance, Jordan Samrani is currently listed as a NRL contracted player but according to the club he's a train and trial with a development deal for 2026. Somehow wires have been getting crossed.

Anyways the general impression I get is that we're going to see a few Round 1 bolters and while you can just about lock down 1-7, the forward pack and bench is completely up in the air with players constantly rotating from the NRL to the NSW squad, from one side of the field to another. So it wouldn't be shocking at all to see a Charlie Guymer or Dan Keir off the bench and one of the big name players miss out.

One name they're constantly touting is hooker Ryley Smith. If you follow the Eels, they're absolutely desperate for a dummy half and their fans all had Blake Mozer on their Christmas list. Smith is currently on a train and trial but he's been smashing all the drills and even broke one of Gutho's records - Gutho is so fit that players have gone to hospital trying to compete with him in drills. He shapes as that Reed Mahoney out of nowhere style selection that really turned the Eels around in 2019.

Interesting to note that Simonsson and Greig who I both had as NRL starters have been scrimmaging with the NSW Cup players. It seems like they've fallen down the pecking order at the club.

 

[Sproj]

Big Pete, I'm interested in your Easts line up for this season. They have lost a lot of star power and with both Walker and Smith out a large chunk of the season as well, who is making their side and what do you think of their chances? What do you make of their inability to land big names as well?

 

[Foordy]

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow says that the Phins training standards have gone to another level since Woolf replaced Bennett.

HTF said:

“The standards have gone up a level,” he said when asked how things had changed under Woolf.

“We all needed that coming off last year where we fell off.

“The way Woolfy, Rory (Kostjasyn) and ‘Fieny’ (Nathan Fien, assistant coaches) are pushing the boys … they’ve all put their hand up, willing to work hard for each other.

“We dropped off a little bit (last year). Our standards weren’t as high as they are now coming into the pre-season with the way the boys have been training.

“The standards have gone through the roof and the mental state has too. It’s good to see how fit the boys are and how hard they’re working.

“If that makes me get up to their standards then I’ll be a better player.”

“I don’t mind centre but fullback is my main position,” he said.

“We’ve got to work hard and earn it. That’s what I’m willing to do this pre-season. Hopefully I can make it my primary position for the whole year.

“There’s no guarantees (from Woolf). The boys have worked hard and I’ve got to get up to their standards and the way they’ve been training.

“I started (training) a bit later. I’ve got to earn my jersey.

“I’ve had all my reps at fullback. It’s sad news for Trai but he’ll come back bigger and better from his injury.”

 

[1910]

I'm a fan of Gray and I'm sure he'll play a role through out the campaign but I think Latrell at fullback will be the preferred option.

Otherwise if Gray forces Wayne's hand I'd expect two options.

1. Gray
3. Graham
4. Mitchell
6. Wighton
7. Walker

1. Mitchell
3. Graham
4. Wighton
6. Gray
7. Walker

I could see Bennett going the Trai Fuller route and naming Gray on the bench as well.

I was really harsh on Parramatta during my write-up. While I stand by my low expectations, I'm more interested in looking at a team's style of play and what they'll be looking to do in the season ahead. I decided to do some more digging and I just wanted to share a wonderful website The Cumberland Throw which has some of the best coverage in the game.

One of the writers is there everyday at training and constantly reports what's happening and who is impressing him. They also seem to have some intel, so for instance, Jordan Samrani is currently listed as a NRL contracted player but according to the club he's a train and trial with a development deal for 2026. Somehow wires have been getting crossed.

Anyways the general impression I get is that we're going to see a few Round 1 bolters and while you can just about lock down 1-7, the forward pack and bench is completely up in the air with players constantly rotating from the NRL to the NSW squad, from one side of the field to another. So it wouldn't be shocking at all to see a Charlie Guymer or Dan Keir off the bench and one of the big name players miss out.

One name they're constantly touting is hooker Ryley Smith. If you follow the Eels, they're absolutely desperate for a dummy half and their fans all had Blake Mozer on their Christmas list. Smith is currently on a train and trial but he's been smashing all the drills and even broke one of Gutho's records - Gutho is so fit that players have gone to hospital trying to compete with him in drills. He shapes as that Reed Mahoney out of nowhere style selection that really turned the Eels around in 2019.

Interesting to note that Simonsson and Greig who I both had as NRL starters have been scrimmaging with the NSW Cup players. It seems like they've fallen down the pecking order at the club.

Smith was better than Mozer in 21. How he's come to be a train and trial at Eels hoping to play NRL is odd.

 

[Big Pete]

Big Pete, I'm interested in your Easts line up for this season. They have lost a lot of star power and with both Walker and Smith out a large chunk of the season as well, who is making their side and what do you think of their chances? What do you make of their inability to land big names as well?

Let's take a look

Sydney Roosters 2025
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith/Fetalaiga Pauga
4. Robert Toia/Fetalaiga Pauga
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Spencer Leniu/etc
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Nat Butcher/etc
13. Victor Radley

14. De La Selle Va'a/etc.
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Siua Wong/etc.
17. Egan Butcher/etc.

Somehow they have to fit Mark Nawaquanitawase in there but I'm not sure if he'll be able to play centres or if either Tupou or Young can accommodate him.

It was always going to be a difficult year following the departures of JWH, Keary, Manu and Suaalii but then you toss in the injuries to Walker and B. Smith and their campaign looks over before it's begun.

To touch on one of your questions Sproj, I'm not sure if they were in the market for a lot of the big name players like Luai or Holmes. The only names I recall were David Fifita and Ben Hunt and I'd have to question how seriously they chased after Hunt. It seemed like they inquired but with Townsend there and Robson on the way they likely weren't that keen.

You can't say the same about Fifita. They absolutely wanted him and it seemed like such a Roosters signing too. Here's this player the Penrith Panthers are bending over backwards trying to sign and then at the 11th hour the Roosters get jealous and decide to poach them like a spoiled rich kid. It seemed like another Brandon Smith situation until at the last minute Fifita pulled out.

Maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Wasn't Crichton going to leave the club if they signed Fifita? Maybe Roosters management would have shown Angus the light, but if you had to pick between the pair, I think you'd had to go with the devil you know, surely. Crichton's 2024 was as good as I've seen from any second row.

As far as the team goes, I've played it safe with the 1-13 and largely just named players with first grade experience. The exception is Robert Toia in the centres, he was the brightest prospect out of Queensland but unfortunately he's had a horrible run with injuries. It's going to be a tough ask coming into this team but if Robbo is patient and injuries are kind he'll have a strong fleet footed player who will create space for Young.

S. Smith and Townsend will get first crack. Never heard anything more about Smith's GBH charge, it sounded like a freak accident and an unfortunate situation so I expect the NRL to turn a blind eye there. On paper it's a balanced combination with Townsend playing that game management role while Smith can play that dual role where he can either create the extra man or play first receiver and really dig into the line. However it's not a long term combination and for Smith this really is an audition with so many young players looming.

The Roosters currently have Rodwell who is the schoolboys halfback on an NRL deal and he looks like a more talented version of Smith. Then there's Jake Elliott, Reece Foley and Hugo Savala who will all be vying for an opportunity so I'm sure Robbo will cycle through this crop to sort out his Keary replacement ASAP.

It's such an awkward injury for Walker. I can't remember the last time a halfback injured their ACL late in the year, came back the following year and dominated. I remember Lockyer injured his just after Origin in 2007 and he really struggled the following year as he tried to rush through his recovery. I'd effectively go into the year with the idea that Walker's injured for the year with the view that 2026 is his year.

In his absence, Radley is going to have to find another gear. I rate him just behind Murray in terms of linking with his halves, but this year he may need to challenge teams down the short-sides and play some second receiver as well. In fact, Robbo could run with the option of playing a Ricky Stuart esque style with Radley going 6 and Whyte coming into the starting line-up with Steep not far behind. It wouldn't be a sustainable line-up, but if you were concerned about teams bullying your young players, that would be the play.

I'm curious to see who will cover that right-side edge with Tupouniua gone. I've named Nat Butcher there but that's merely a placeholder at this stage. The other options they have are Siua Wong who had an indifferent 2024 after a promising 2023. Egan Butcher is somebody they've had huge raps on for years, has never quite lived up to them and is recovering from an ACL. Then there's Foketi who is only 20, but reportedly had some strong touches in NSW Cup. I believe he plays left edge and is more of a loose 13 type of player.

This is a position Robbo has compromised on over the years but when I think about his brand of football, it really excelled when he had strong edge forwards like SBW, Cordner, Guerra, Crichton, Aubusson etc. working in tandem. I don't think playing a Radley or Nat Butcher will be ideal.

I'm not convinced with the rest of their pack. You can lock in Leniu, Watson, Collins, Crichton, Radley, Whyte and Butcher but that still leaves them with three spots and Leniu is not a 80 minute player by any stretch of the imagination. The only other recognised props they have on their roster is the Va'a brothers so you could see some really inconsistent performances from the Roosters. Teams may opt to play conservatively, knowing they'll get a crack at the younger players towards the back end of halves/early second and take the game then and there.

Still, I don't expect the Roosters to be easy-beats. I've got them outside the eight, but they have enough class to cause some upsets and I expect some of their young guns will turn heads as well and set themselves up for 2026.

 

[Sproj]

Let's take a look

Sydney Roosters 2025
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith/Fetalaiga Pauga
4. Robert Toia/Fetalaiga Pauga
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Spencer Leniu/etc
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Nat Butcher/etc
13. Victor Radley

14. De La Selle Va'a/etc.
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Siua Wong/etc.
17. Egan Butcher/etc.

Somehow they have to fit Mark Nawaquanitawase in there but I'm not sure if he'll be able to play centres or if either Tupou or Young can accommodate him.

It was always going to be a difficult year following the departures of JWH, Keary, Manu and Suaalii but then you toss in the injuries to Walker and B. Smith and their campaign looks over before it's begun.

To touch on one of your questions Sproj, I'm not sure if they were in the market for a lot of the big name players like Luai or Holmes. The only names I recall were David Fifita and Ben Hunt and I'd have to question how seriously they chased after Hunt. It seemed like they inquired but with Townsend there and Robson on the way they likely weren't that keen.

You can't say the same about Fifita. They absolutely wanted him and it seemed like such a Roosters signing too. Here's this player the Penrith Panthers are bending over backwards trying to sign and then at the 11th hour the Roosters get jealous and decide to poach them like a spoiled rich kid. It seemed like another Brandon Smith situation until at the last minute Fifita pulled out.

Maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Wasn't Crichton going to leave the club if they signed Fifita? Maybe Roosters management would have shown Angus the light, but if you had to pick between the pair, I think you'd had to go with the devil you know, surely. Crichton's 2024 was as good as I've seen from any second row.

As far as the team goes, I've played it safe with the 1-13 and largely just named players with first grade experience. The exception is Robert Toia in the centres, he was the brightest prospect out of Queensland but unfortunately he's had a horrible run with injuries. It's going to be a tough ask coming into this team but if Robbo is patient and injuries are kind he'll have a strong fleet footed player who will create space for Young.

S. Smith and Townsend will get first crack. Never heard anything more about Smith's GBH charge, it sounded like a freak accident and an unfortunate situation so I expect the NRL to turn a blind eye there. On paper it's a balanced combination with Townsend playing that game management role while Smith can play that dual role where he can either create the extra man or play first receiver and really dig into the line. However it's not a long term combination and for Smith this really is an audition with so many young players looming.

The Roosters currently have Rodwell who is the schoolboys halfback on an NRL deal and he looks like a more talented version of Smith. Then there's Jake Elliott, Reece Foley and Hugo Savala who will all be vying for an opportunity so I'm sure Robbo will cycle through this crop to sort out his Keary replacement ASAP.

It's such an awkward injury for Walker. I can't remember the last time a halfback injured their ACL late in the year, came back the following year and dominated. I remember Lockyer injured his just after Origin in 2007 and he really struggled the following year as he tried to rush through his recovery. I'd effectively go into the year with the idea that Walker's injured for the year with the view that 2026 is his year.

In his absence, Radley is going to have to find another gear. I rate him just behind Murray in terms of linking with his halves, but this year he may need to challenge teams down the short-sides and play some second receiver as well. In fact, Robbo could run with the option of playing a Ricky Stuart esque style with Radley going 6 and Whyte coming into the starting line-up with Steep not far behind. It wouldn't be a sustainable line-up, but if you were concerned about teams bullying your young players, that would be the play.

I'm curious to see who will cover that right-side edge with Tupouniua gone. I've named Nat Butcher there but that's merely a placeholder at this stage. The other options they have are Siua Wong who had an indifferent 2024 after a promising 2023. Egan Butcher is somebody they've had huge raps on for years, has never quite lived up to them and is recovering from an ACL. Then there's Foketi who is only 20, but reportedly had some strong touches in NSW Cup. I believe he plays left edge and is more of a loose 13 type of player.

This is a position Robbo has compromised on over the years but when I think about his brand of football, it really excelled when he had strong edge forwards like SBW, Cordner, Guerra, Crichton, Aubusson etc. working in tandem. I don't think playing a Radley or Nat Butcher will be ideal.

I'm not convinced with the rest of their pack. You can lock in Leniu, Watson, Collins, Crichton, Radley, Whyte and Butcher but that still leaves them with three spots and Leniu is not a 80 minute player by any stretch of the imagination. The only other recognised props they have on their roster is the Va'a brothers so you could see some really inconsistent performances from the Roosters. Teams may opt to play conservatively, knowing they'll get a crack at the younger players towards the back end of halves/early second and take the game then and there.

Still, I don't expect the Roosters to be easy-beats. I've got them outside the eight, but they have enough class to cause some upsets and I expect some of their young guns will turn heads as well and set themselves up for 2026.

On the signings point, reading through your comments I think is what has made it seem so un-Roosters like. Obviously they normally get who they want AND keep everyone. However this time, not only did they not get who they wanted, they also seemed to feel the collateral damage of losing May and Tupoinua as well. They were also confident they would keep Manu but lost him too.

 

[Big Pete]

On the signings point, reading through your comments I think is what has made it seem so un-Roosters like. Obviously they normally get who they want AND keep everyone. However this time, not only did they not get who they wanted, they also seemed to feel the collateral damage of losing May and Tupoinua as well. They were also confident they would keep Manu but lost him too.

They always seemed resigned to losing Manu, but they were confident he'd return to them again. That withered through out the year but I guess we'll see in 2026.

I think you're right on Tupouniua and that's another reason why the Fifita backflip hurt them. The Roosters were making room for Fifita so they gave Tupouniua an early release from his contract and by the time the Fifita deal fell through, Tupouniua had all but committed to the Bulldogs.

The Roosters had shown their hand.

The May situation is different. The Roosters have decided to wash their hands of him and move forward. There's always talk surrounding that family and despite Terrell being a stand-out player these past couple of years they wanted to move on.

Their recruitment reminds me a lot of 2016. That was the year where they lost RTS, Maloney and then decided to release Jennings on top of that. They cleared the decks, slowly blooded the next generation and gave themselves room to land the big signings like Tedesco, Cronk and Crichton. I think we'll see a similar bounce back soon, I just wonder who they're going to target.

Selwyn on paper would seem like an obvious talent, but I'm not sure if it'll be a good fit.

 

[Sproj]

They always seemed resigned to losing Manu, but they were confident he'd return to them again. That withered through out the year but I guess we'll see in 2026.

I think you're right on Tupouniua and that's another reason why the Fifita backflip hurt them. The Roosters were making room for Fifita so they gave Tupouniua an early release from his contract and by the time the Fifita deal fell through, Tupouniua had all but committed to the Bulldogs.

The Roosters had shown their hand.

The May situation is different. The Roosters have decided to wash their hands of him and move forward. There's always talk surrounding that family and despite Terrell being a stand-out player these past couple of years they wanted to move on.

Their recruitment reminds me a lot of 2016. That was the year where they lost RTS, Maloney and then decided to release Jennings on top of that. They cleared the decks, slowly blooded the next generation and gave themselves room to land the big signings like Tedesco, Cronk and Crichton. I think we'll see a similar bounce back soon, I just wonder who they're going to target.

Selwyn on paper would seem like an obvious talent, but I'm not sure if it'll be a good fit.

Talent wise for sure Cobbo is a perfect fit for them but Staggs would probably fit them better. Problem is, if you go by the rumours and yes I know I know, he’s just about a done deal with us.

So who does that leave for them to target there available? Now of course contracts mean little so who knows who will suddenly become available.

Right now I can only think of Mulitalo and Cobbo as the gettable big names. Of course they already landed Robson. They need a fullback, centres, second rower and probably a middle plus a six unless they back the kids in as you said. They have a lot of holes in that side.

 

[1910]

Let's take a look

Sydney Roosters 2025
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith/Fetalaiga Pauga
4. Robert Toia/Fetalaiga Pauga
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Spencer Leniu/etc
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Nat Butcher/etc
13. Victor Radley

14. De La Selle Va'a/etc.
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Siua Wong/etc.
17. Egan Butcher/etc.

Somehow they have to fit Mark Nawaquanitawase in there but I'm not sure if he'll be able to play centres or if either Tupou or Young can accommodate him.

It was always going to be a difficult year following the departures of JWH, Keary, Manu and Suaalii but then you toss in the injuries to Walker and B. Smith and their campaign looks over before it's begun.

To touch on one of your questions Sproj, I'm not sure if they were in the market for a lot of the big name players like Luai or Holmes. The only names I recall were David Fifita and Ben Hunt and I'd have to question how seriously they chased after Hunt. It seemed like they inquired but with Townsend there and Robson on the way they likely weren't that keen.

You can't say the same about Fifita. They absolutely wanted him and it seemed like such a Roosters signing too. Here's this player the Penrith Panthers are bending over backwards trying to sign and then at the 11th hour the Roosters get jealous and decide to poach them like a spoiled rich kid. It seemed like another Brandon Smith situation until at the last minute Fifita pulled out.

Maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Wasn't Crichton going to leave the club if they signed Fifita? Maybe Roosters management would have shown Angus the light, but if you had to pick between the pair, I think you'd had to go with the devil you know, surely. Crichton's 2024 was as good as I've seen from any second row.

As far as the team goes, I've played it safe with the 1-13 and largely just named players with first grade experience. The exception is Robert Toia in the centres, he was the brightest prospect out of Queensland but unfortunately he's had a horrible run with injuries. It's going to be a tough ask coming into this team but if Robbo is patient and injuries are kind he'll have a strong fleet footed player who will create space for Young.

S. Smith and Townsend will get first crack. Never heard anything more about Smith's GBH charge, it sounded like a freak accident and an unfortunate situation so I expect the NRL to turn a blind eye there. On paper it's a balanced combination with Townsend playing that game management role while Smith can play that dual role where he can either create the extra man or play first receiver and really dig into the line. However it's not a long term combination and for Smith this really is an audition with so many young players looming.

The Roosters currently have Rodwell who is the schoolboys halfback on an NRL deal and he looks like a more talented version of Smith. Then there's Jake Elliott, Reece Foley and Hugo Savala who will all be vying for an opportunity so I'm sure Robbo will cycle through this crop to sort out his Keary replacement ASAP.

It's such an awkward injury for Walker. I can't remember the last time a halfback injured their ACL late in the year, came back the following year and dominated. I remember Lockyer injured his just after Origin in 2007 and he really struggled the following year as he tried to rush through his recovery. I'd effectively go into the year with the idea that Walker's injured for the year with the view that 2026 is his year.

In his absence, Radley is going to have to find another gear. I rate him just behind Murray in terms of linking with his halves, but this year he may need to challenge teams down the short-sides and play some second receiver as well. In fact, Robbo could run with the option of playing a Ricky Stuart esque style with Radley going 6 and Whyte coming into the starting line-up with Steep not far behind. It wouldn't be a sustainable line-up, but if you were concerned about teams bullying your young players, that would be the play.

I'm curious to see who will cover that right-side edge with Tupouniua gone. I've named Nat Butcher there but that's merely a placeholder at this stage. The other options they have are Siua Wong who had an indifferent 2024 after a promising 2023. Egan Butcher is somebody they've had huge raps on for years, has never quite lived up to them and is recovering from an ACL. Then there's Foketi who is only 20, but reportedly had some strong touches in NSW Cup. I believe he plays left edge and is more of a loose 13 type of player.

This is a position Robbo has compromised on over the years but when I think about his brand of football, it really excelled when he had strong edge forwards like SBW, Cordner, Guerra, Crichton, Aubusson etc. working in tandem. I don't think playing a Radley or Nat Butcher will be ideal.

I'm not convinced with the rest of their pack. You can lock in Leniu, Watson, Collins, Crichton, Radley, Whyte and Butcher but that still leaves them with three spots and Leniu is not a 80 minute player by any stretch of the imagination. The only other recognised props they have on their roster is the Va'a brothers so you could see some really inconsistent performances from the Roosters. Teams may opt to play conservatively, knowing they'll get a crack at the younger players towards the back end of halves/early second and take the game then and there.

Still, I don't expect the Roosters to be easy-beats. I've got them outside the eight, but they have enough class to cause some upsets and I expect some of their young guns will turn heads as well and set themselves up for 2026.

I want Rob Toia to have a good year so much, such a talented kid. I hope he's their centre.

 

[mitch222]

The roosters spine is very weak heading into the season. Im very shocked they didnt try and get another experience half to cover Walkers injury.
A lot is going to fall on Tedesco again and at his age, if he starts slowing down in any shape or form, then it might be a very long season for the roosters.

 

[Sproj]

I was surprised they didn’t go hard for Paps and while it isn’t a level playing field with the Storm and everyone else salary cap wise anymore, if there is one team that can pull money also from nowhere, it’s the Roosters.

 

[BroncsFan]

The roosters spine is very weak heading into the season. Im very shocked they didnt try and get another experience half to cover Walkers injury.
A lot is going to fall on Tedesco again and at his age, if he starts slowing down in any shape or form, then it might be a very long season for the roosters.

I think they're just in a bridging year.

Probably use spare cap space to pay players up front and then hit the market hard for guys off contract in 2026.

I think they're also a chance at getting Manu back... doesn't the union season finish in May or something and he only signed a 1yr deal??