2017 Preview | Sydney Roosters

Optimistic. That is the word that best describes the feeling around the Roosters camp, as Tricolours enter 2017 off the back of an impressive off-season, highlighted by the club securing their maiden Auckland Nines title.

What was most impressive about the being crowned Auckland Nines champions this year, is that victory was spearheaded by strong performances by their promising 2016 debutants in Connor Watson, Latrell Mitchell, Joseph Manu and Ryan Matterson in what was ultimately a rebuilding year for the club last season.

The 2016 season was over before it began losing seven of their first eight matches. The off season from hell started with long term injuries to key forwards Boyd Cordner and Jared-Warea-Hargreaves early in the pre-season and to top it off NSW State of Origin half Mitchell Pearce was suspended for his Australia Day humiliation for the first eight rounds of the competition. These losses lead to a plethora of rookies being blooded and thrown in the deep end of first grade football.

While it was certainly a forgettable season, it leaves head coach Trent Robinson feeling very optimistic about what his young charges can do with a year's NRL experience under their belt and now they have their seasoned superstars back injury and suspension free for the start of a new season.

Add to that the recruitment of goal kicking veteran Michael Gordon to help out the young inexperienced outside backs coming through the ranks, as well as the addition of Grand Final winning five-eighth Luke Keary from South Sydney and the Roosters have assembled a roster that will be potentially see them as one of the big improvers in 2017.

Why They'll Win It

Sometimes you have to cry before you smile and the Roosters clearly went through some tough times in 2016. Prior to 2016 though, Robinson led the Roosters to three minor premierships in a row, showing there is a winning culture. And with a drama free build up the Roosters will be the big improvers in 2017.

A blend of youth and experience has proved in recent seasons the perfect recipe for success, as the Sharks showed in 2016. The Roosters showed last season that they have some of the brightest prospects in the NRL when taking out the Holden Cup Under 20's competition, and this validates the thought that the future is very bright indeed out at Bondi. Combining some of these bright prospects such as Latrell Mitchell and Connor Watson with the experience, class and leadership of Pearce, Waerea-Hargreaves, Cordner and Blake Ferguson, (and should the squad remain injury and suspension free) the Roosters will mount a challenge for the title.

Why They Won't

They lack the attitude and the discipline at times to win a premiership. While the backline is brimming with attacking threats across the park, the Roosters outside backs were riddled with errors at key times in matches over and over again in 2016, with rocks or diamonds players including Ferguson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, and Daniel Tupou not living up to high expectations of previous seasons.

Combine that with the ill-discipline of the hotheads in the engine room, with Waerea-Hargreaves, Dylan Napa and Kane Evans, there are just too many players that lack the discipline needed to win the premiership.

Key Players

Mitchell Pearce has a point to prove after admitting that he feels he let down the side last year and has blamed himself for the Roosters rapid decline, finishing in 15th position in 2016. Pearce returned to form at the backend of the season and will be looking to put his past off field discretions behind him, lead the Roosters back to the top of the ladder and reclaim the NSW #7 jersey. All reports coming out of Bondi in the off-season suggest that Pearce has never been more focussed and is in for a huge year - rewarded with a new contract just this afternoon.

Blake Ferguson had a largely forgettable 2016 season much like many of his teammates, and was a surprise selection by Mal Meninga in the Australian squad for the end of season Tests in England. Meninga's faith was justified however, when Ferguson exploded into form surrounded by some of the best players in the game. The 26 year old flyer's representative form was rewarded when he was awarded the prestigious Harry Sutherland Medal for the player of the series. If Ferguson can keep this form going, he looks set for a huge season.

Rookie/Breakthrough to Watch

Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck is the younger brother of former Rooster (now Warrior) Roger, and like his brother has no problem finding the try line. Starring in the Holden Cup for the past two seasons, Tuivasa-Sheck was instrumental for the Roosters in their miracle comeback against the Panthers in last season's Holden Cup Grand Final, scoring the decisive try to claim a shock comeback win.  Although his path to the NRL is currently blocked by the multiple internationals stacked in the Roosters backline, Tuivasa-Sheck showed in the Nines that he is ready to make the step up to first grade if called upon.

Latrell Mitchell had a solid first full year in the top grade and handled the hype of being ‘the next Greg Inglis' playing the majority of the season at fullback. Given the signing of veteran Gordon from Parramatta in the off season, coach Robinson looks set to move the Taree junior to the centres to get some more experience and learn off the experienced Gordon before a permanent move to the #1 jersey looms in the near future. The form Mitchell has shown in the pre-season suggests the 19 year old is set to put his name on the NRL map in 2017. 

Player Movements

Gains | Michael Gordon (Eels), Luke Keary (Rabbitohs), Liam Knight (Sea Eagles), Zane Tetevano (Wyong), Paul Carter (Rabbitohs), Mitch Cornish (Eels), Brendan Santi (Townsville)

Losses | Vincent Leuluai (Storm), Sam Moa (Catalans), Tyler Cornish (Titans), Jackson Hastings (Sea Eagles)

Best 17

1. Michael Gordon
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6. Luke Keary
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargraves
9. Jake Friend (c)
10. Dylan Napa
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
12. Mitch Aubusson
13. Siosiua Taukeiaho

14. Isaac Liu
15. Aiden Guerra
16. Kane Evans
17. Connor Watson

2017 Draw

Click the image below for a full-size downloadable version of the Roosters' 2017 fixture.