Sydney Roosters Mid-Season Report Card

Many supporters questioned how the Roosters would fare without Sonny Bill Williams and Anthony Minichiello in 2015. It only took one match for any hesitations to be dismissed, as the clubs 28-4 master class over North Queensland in Townsville sent a warning to all other sides that the Roosters meant business after bowing out in the Preliminary Final last year.

While a four-match losing streak saw the Bondi club slip as far as 12th, coach Trent Robinson had his team primed for a resurgence as they disposed of sides with immaculate defensive displays.

Mitchell Pearce earned a recall to the New South Wales side, although the underrated aspect of the Roosters 2015 season has been the impact provided by bench players Kane Evans, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Dylan Napa, all of which have been a part of representative sides for their efforts.

With fullback Roger Tuivasa-Scheck announcing his departure to the Warriors early in the year, speculation has been mounting that Brett Stewart will head to Bondi amid discontent on the Northern Beaches.

Positives:
Even when the Roosters have gone down in games this season, the biggest losing margin has been eight points. Since taking over from Brian Smith at the end of 2012, Trent Robinson has built the Roosters success around defence which has continued despite a number of players being forced out due to salary cap restraints brought about by their success. Similarly, the Roosters have worked hard with reformed bad-boy Blake Ferguson to get the former Origin representative back on the field.

Negatives:
While the Roosters have prided themselves on defence, their ability to close out matches has been cause for concern from supporters. Failing to construct a try against Cronulla in Round 13, the Roosters poor ball control saw them go down for the second time against the Sharks, while the Golden Point loss to Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium may cost them a top four finish in the tightly-contested premiership race.

Best Player:
Having been the subject of immense speculation surrounding his departure, Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been the Roosters best in 2015. Becoming only the third player to score 100 tries for the Eastern Suburbs club, the New Zealand back will also close in on 200 first grade games by the end of the season. Rewarded with a two-year extension, Kenny-Dowall has selflessly shifted to the wing to accommodate Blake Ferguson in a move that will likely prove dangerous for opposition sides come September.

Predicted Finish:
With a trip to Newcastle the only game outside of Sydney the Roosters face for the remainder of 2015, Trent Robinson will be confident his side can rise up to the top as they look to claim a second premiership in three years.
Top 4 finish - Possible Grand Finalist

By the Numbers

Won: 7
Lost: 6
Bye: 1
Points Scored: 279 (6th)
Points Conceded: 176 (2nd)
Placed: 5th
Overall Ranking: 2nd

Season So Far

Round 1 Cowboys 4 v 28 Roosters

Round 2 Rabbitohs 34 v 26 Roosters

Round 3 Roosters 20 v 12 Panthers

Round 4 Roosters 34 v 6 Raiders

Round 5 Roosters 12 v 20 Sharks

Round 6 Broncos 22 v 18 Roosters

Round 7 Storm 17 v 16 Roosters

Round 8 Roosters 12 v 14 Dragons

Round 9 Roosters 36 v 4 Tigers

Round 10 Bulldogs 10 v 24 Roosters

Round 12 Roosters 24 v 2 Storm

Round 13 Sharks 10 v 4 Roosters

Round 14 Warriors 21 v 25 Roosters