2023 Preview: Sydney Roosters

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The Sydney Roosters are once again considered to be among the heavyweights of the competition in 2023, but more consistency throughout the year is needed if they are to realise their full potential.

Here we are again, a new NRL season around the corner and, as usual, when discussing who the serious threats are to lift the Provan-Summons trophy in October are, the Roosters invariably come up.

Last season, the weight of expectation was too much to bear for the Chooks. Terrible early season losses against teams like the Dragons, Knights and Bulldogs put them in a position where they had to win 7 of their last 8 games to even make the finals, and once they were there, they once again simply didn't have enough gas left in the tank to make a deep run.

It's been a relatively quiet off-season in terms of gains for the Roosters, with Brandon Smith the only big name to come on board, but he does so at the cost of 2019 Grand Final try-scoring hero Sam Verrills. Depth has also been addressed through the addition Jaxson Paulo, Jake Turpin and Corey Allan.

Why They'll Win It

When you look at the Roosters full strength team, particularly the backline, it's obvious that they can be one of if not the best sides in football. They proved as much last year, beating every top 8 team bar the Panthers (who were dominant premiers) and the Raiders (who they played in an origin effected game).

If not for their frustrating lack of consistency in the earlier rounds, the Roosters would've probably locked up a top 4 spot, and who knows what they could've achieved from there.

A lot of the premiership DNA from 2018 and 2019 remains, and if Brandon Smith can come close to replicating the form that saw him win hooker of the year just 2 seasons ago, the Roosters could become the team to beat in 2023.

Why They Won't

The Roosters, as good as they've been in recent history, have been known to get off to slow starts to the year. In 2018, a year they won the premiership, they were sitting in 7th place after 11 rounds with just 6 wins to their name, and last year they were outside of the top 8 at the conclusion of Round 17. There is easily a scenario this year where the new spine combination takes time to gel, 2 or 3 key injuries are suffered, and the Roosters find themselves right back in 2022.

The Roosters depth in the forward pack is also a concern, Angus Crichton is currently seeking professional support for a mental health issue. Obviously, football is a distant second on the priority list and we wish Angus all the best in his recovery, but his absence will leave a significant hole in the back row stocks.

Victor Radley and Brandon Smith are familiar faces around the NRL judiciary and will need to keep things in check to avoid spending time on the sidelines.

Key Players

Brandon Smith is, in my eyes, the most important player for the Roosters in 2023. He is the only new member of the spine and will need to hit the ground running if the Roosters are to once again be considered among the elite teams of the competition. His ability to play long periods at number nine will be under the microscope and there's no doubt teams will be looking to put him under pressure defensively, especially in the final 15 minutes of games where fatigue plays a huge role.

At his best, Smith is that rare combination of crafty and physical. He'll double pump and put his backrower through a hole to score untouched, and in the next set will steamroll three defenders to score on his own. Last year however was a down year for Smith; too often he was ineffective with ball in hand and lazy in defence. The version of Brandon Smith that shows up in 2023 will be a huge determinant in how far this team goes.

A lot of the Roosters slow start last year can be put down to Sam Walker and Luke Keary taking their time in forming a lethal combination. It was no surprise that once Keary was shifted back to five-eighth and Walker to halfback the Roosters started winning games and looking like a premiership threat.

With another full offseason together, this time training in their preferred positions, Keary and Walker should begin this season with the same form they had to finish the last one, and that is extremely ominous for the other 16 teams.

Breakthrough Player to watch

Terrell May was one of the best forwards in the NSW cup last year and was rewarded with a first-grade debut, and he quickly showed that he belonged at the top level.

If he continues to improve, expect to see May push for a spot in the starting 13 by the middle of the season.

2023 Roosters squad

Player movement

Gains: Brandon Smith (Melbourne), Jaxson Paulo (South Sydney), Jake Turpin (Brisbane), Corey Allan (Canterbury)

Losses: Freddy Lussick, Ronald Volkman (Warriors, during 2022), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (South Sydney, during 2022), Lachlan Lam (Leigh, during 2022), Siosiua Taukeiaho, Adam Keighran (Catalans), Kevin Naiqama (Huddersfield), Sam Verrills (Gold Coast)

Best Round 1 Side

1.    James Tedesco
2.    Daniel Tupou
3.    Corey Allan
4.    Joseph Manu
5.    Joseph Suaali'i
6.    Luke Keary
7.    Sam Walker
8.    Matt Lodge*
9.    Brandon Smith
10.  Lindsay Collins
11.  Egan Butcher
12.  Nat Butcher
13.  Victor Radley

14.  Jake Turpin
15.  Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
16.  Terrell May
17.  Siua Wong

*Assuming Lodge is upgraded from his current train and trial deal

2023 Roosters fixtures

Some statistics courtesy RLP.