2011 In Review: Sydney Roosters

After an unexpected Grand Final appearance in 2010, big things were expected from the Sydney Roosters in the 2011 NRL Season.

However the drama began early with star five-eighth Todd Carney being charged with a DUI before the season even kicked off.  The Todd Carney drama was not the only event that foreshadowed what was to come for the Chooks in 2011, the 2010 Grand Finalists also failed to come away with a win from two off season matches. Despite a poor lead up to the season the Roosters looked good in their opening match of the season downing the Rabbitohs 40-29 despite being minus Todd Carney. Unfortunately for the Roosters and their fans things began going downhill from there with the Roosters surrendering leads in consecutive weeks to lose to an understrength Manly and the Bulldogs.

As the season progressed the Roosters struggled to put on points, going ten matches without scoring more than two tries in a game. However, the Roosters began to find form late in season - winning four consecutive matches including a victory against the Minor Premiers the Storm and the defending premiers the St George Illawarra Dragons. However despite the team finding form, the off-field controversies continued with Todd Carney, Nate Myles and Frank Paul Nuuasala breaking a two week booze ban and being stood down.

The Good

The Roosters finished off the season with four back to back to wins after a poor start, team morale and discipline increased significantly in their final matches of the season.

The Roosters Toyota Cup side showed dramatic improvements during the season, managing to win 11 matches in a row - a Toyota Cup record.

The Bad

Off-field scandals involving star five-eighth Todd Carney caused the Roosters headaches throughout the season, forcing coach Brian Smith to stand him down for several seven matches throughout the season. To make matters worse Carney battled a groin injury throughout the season and never appeared close to returning to his 2010 form.

The Chooks also struggled with injuries during the season forcing the NRL to allow them to exceed the second tier cap in order to field a first grade team every week.

Best Players

Jake Friend went from strength to strength in 2011 to take out the Jack Gibson medal for Roosters player of the year. The young hooker averaged over 40 tackles a game in 2011 and was a star for the chook every match.

Firebrand forward Jared Warwrea-Hargreaves was another standout for the Chooks, bringing the mongrel back into to the team's forward pack and becoming a player the opposition fears.

Rookies

With injuries decimating the Roosters throughout 2011 Brian Smith was often forced to call on some rookies with Brad Takairangi, Boyd Cordner, Lama Tasi and Tinirau  Arona showing the most promise.

2012 Squad

Best Line-up for 2012

1 Anthony Minichiello 2 Sam Perrett

Interchange: 14 Tom Symonds

Gains

Anthony Mitchell (Eels) - Mid Season, Jack Bosden (Dragons), Peni Tagive (Dragons), Daniel Tupou (Eels), Adam Henry (Warriors), Josh Ailaomai (Knights), Daniel Mortimer (Eels), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Otahuhu, NZ)

Re-Signed

Braith Anasta, Frank Paul Nuuasala, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Tom Symonds , Tinirau Arona, Aiden Guerra, Brad Takairangi, Jake Friend

Losses

Nate Myes (Titans), Mark Riddell (Retirement), Daniel Conn (Retirement), Kane Linnett (Cowboys), Phil Graham (Titans), Todd Carney (Sharks)