2009 in Review - Sydney Roosters

Sydney Roosters - 16th & Wooden Spooners

Reasons: Off-Field Horror: Off the field the Roosters were men behaving badly. Every few weeks the media would be reporting on another case regarding players doing something stupid. The worry for the Roosters is that most (if not, all) of these players involved in incidents will be representing the club in 2010. If something needs to desperately change at the Roosters, it is this indeed. The Care Factor: In some of the matches they played, the Roosters plainly looked like they didn't care whether they won or loss. The only time this changed was when they were playing against the Newcastle Knights, the side being coached by the Roosters 2010 coach, Brian Smith. It wasn't about two points this time, it was about the future of their contracts. Brad Fittler: Stopped being a coach and became one of the boys. His legendary name was tarnished throughout the season. The Roosters eventually had no choice but to sack him, hoping he can come back to the club a little more mature in years to come. Forty Minute Football: The matches the Roosters actually had a chance in they had the same problem they did in late 2008, they couldn't play eighty minute football. Various times throughout the year they played a decent first half but got flattened in the second half.

Gains: Nick Kouparitsas (Lock/Second Row) Canterbury Bulldogs (mid-season) Smith Samau (Winger/Fullback) Gold Coast Titans (mid-season) Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Second Row) Manly Sea Eagles Phil Graham (Winger/Centre) Canberra Raiders Daniel Conn (Second Row) Gold Coast Titans JP Du Plessis (Utility) South African Rugby It is speculated that the club will be signing Atherton Roosters halfback Todd Carney and Catalans Dragons prop Jason Ryles Losses: Jordan Tansey (Fullback) Hull FC (mid-season) Craig Fitzgibbon (Second Row/Lock) Hull FC Mark O'Meley (Prop) Hull FC Shane Shackleton (Second Row) Parramatta Eels Iosia Soliola (Centre/Second Row) St Helens

Best Win of the Year: There was only a few to choose from the arguably the best win from the Red, White and Blue came early in the season away from home against the Canberra Raiders. After suffering an embarrassing loss to South Sydney the week before, the Roosters fired back with a brave performance from Anthony Minichiello and solid games from Braith Anasta and Willie Mason. Worst Loss of the Year: As mentioned, it was the first round loss to South Sydney that started the downfall of the club for 2009. The 52-12 margin was embarrassing enough, in a match Roosters fans would never want to remember. It was the first time since 1952 the Rabbitohs were able to put the half-century on the Roosters.

Statistics The Roosters only won five matches through the season. Two of these were against fellow wooden spoon contenders, Cronulla. The side conceded 681 points, the highest conceded in a season by the club. The Roosters were handed their first wooden spoon since the horror 1966 campaign.

2009 Headline "Cowboys hand the Roosters the Wooden Spoon in Fitzy Farewell"

Odds to win in 2010 $40.00 (odds courtesy of Betfair)

Where will they finish next year? It could be anywhere.