The Sydney Roosters enter the 2026 NRL season looking to return to the top after finishing eighth in 2025. With key recruits Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson driving their campaign, the club will be aiming to claim their 16th premiership.
Season Preview
The Sydney Roosters head into 2026 with a clear focus on winning their first premiership in seven years. They have Sam Walker back for a full season after missing much of 2025 through injury to guide them around, with key recruits Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson (when he returns from injury, with Connor Watson likely to start at hooker) to offer the calm heads and extra experience that was lacking in 2025.
Last season saw the club blood a host of young talent, with eight players making their first grade debut and six others entering their first full season of first grade. Despite the inexperience, the young Roosters still managed to squeak into the finals, however poor ball control and an inability to ice close games saw them finish lower down the ladder than they could have.
With the experience gained in 2025, as well as the addition of Cherry-Evans and Robson, expectations are that the side can return to the top four and go deep into the finals.
Best Signing
Daly Cherry-Evans
As good a job as Hugo Savala and the since-departed Sandon Smith did for the Roosters in 2025 while Walker was injured, the lack of experience in the halves was telling. The addition of Cherry-Evans provides not only experience to assist Walker, but someone who knows how to win close games. Cherry-Evans has scored the winning points in Golden Point seven times in his career, no other player has achieved the feat more than four times.
Key Player
James Tedesco
Having lost so much experience at the end of 2024, the Roosters needed captain James Tedesco to stand tall and return to his best. The situation brought out the best in him, storming to the Dally M Medal by a record 22 votes, as well as claiming the Captain of the Year award. Running around in a spine alongside Cherry-Evans, Walker, and Robson/Watson, Tedesco will be able to play his natural game and provide the Roosters with his spark and leadership.
Player to Watch
Blake Steep
Roosters Academy product Blake Steep went from SG Ball captain to a first grade debut in 2024, before making 22 appearances in the top grade in 2025, showing a toughness and tenacity that should excite Roosters fans moving forward. A player in the Boyd Cordner mould, Steep extended his contract with the club until 2028 in November and will have an opportunity to press for a spot in the starting 13 with Victor Radley unavailable for the first five matches.
Draw Analysis
The early rounds offer a tough start, with seven derbies in the first nine rounds.
The State of Origin period may have a major influence, with the club likely to lose multiple players into Origin camp, and with six of seven games outside Sydney.
The run home features multiple games against teams likely to be chasing finals positions, but with four of their last five at Allianz Stadium.
Big Questions
- Can DCE provide the edge the Roosters need?
- How much will the mid-season travel affect the team?
- Can the team reach their potential as a premiership contender?
Predicted Finish
Top 4
Related Items
- 🔁 2025 Season Review: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/sydney-roosters-2025-season-review-and-statistical-breakdown/
- 📅 2026 Draw & Fixtures: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/sydney-roosters-2026-nrl-fixtures-squad-list-and-player-signings/
