2025 NRL: Sydney Roosters Season Preview

Despite losing several key players, the Roosters will still want to play finals football.

Season Preview

More than 1,200 NRL games worth of experience left the Sydney Roosters after the 2024 season. It is easy to see why people say the boys from Bondi won’t make the finals – with names like Jared Warea-Hargraves and Luke Keary moving on to the Super League and Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii going to union.

In 2024, the Roosters showed signs of why they were firming as premiership contenders, but when taking on the Storm and Panthers, they were like headless chooks. Even during the finals, they couldn’t overcome the big two.

Defence was the key issue. They had no problem scoring tries, but their defence would let them down. Captain James Tedesco told the Australian Associated Press that to make the top eight this season, they would have to sharpen their defence.

Injuries have also not served the Roosters well over the last few years, with players such as Sam Walker, Brandon Smith, and Billy Smith doing their ACLs – ruling them out for long periods. Due to limited off-season signings, they may not have the cattle to fill positions if injuries occur.

There have been rumblings that Joseph Manu is unhappy at his Japanese club and was linked to a possible return to Bondi. Fans will be disappointed to know that once he finishes this season in Japan, he will head to France to play for Racing Metro.

In the first eight rounds of the season, the Roosters will play the defending premiers – the Panthers – and the Broncos twice. While the back end of the draw is a bit more favourable, the Roosters will need to win games they’re expected to win in the early rounds if they hope to play finals football in 2025.

Best Signing

Chad Townsend

While Chad Townsend would be considered a good signing amongst any group of players, he is the only off-season signing the Roosters have made. Townsend will slot into halfback nicely while Sam Walker is out with an injury and will provide experience for Sandon Smith, who will partner him in the halves. He will no doubt also help Walker and Smith on the training paddock.

Key Player

Angus Crichton

Angus Crichton was back to his best in 2024. It was great to see, especially when it looked like he may have been lost to the game when he was struggling with mental health issues. He will be one of the keys in a forward pack that has lost Jared Warea-Hargraves this season. If he can continue his good form this season, who knows what can happen for the team from Bondi Junction?

Player to Watch

Sandon Smith

Sandon Smith gets the chance to cement himself as the Roosters’ new number six after the departure of Luke Keary. We have seen what Smith can do, whether in the halves or as a utility. Once Sam Walker returns, he gets to strike up a partnership that will lead the Roosters into the future.