Ins: Tuku Hau Tapuha (2022), Adam Keighran (New Zealand Warriors, 2022), Joseph Suaalii (2022), Naufahu Whyte (2022)
Outs: Mitchell Aubusson (retired), Poasa Faamausili (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kyle Flanagan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Hull Kingston Rovers), Christian Tuipulotu (Manly Sea Eagles), Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby union)
They may have been unable to create history by winning a third straight title, but the Roosters were again fantastic in 2020. This despite losing a pretty handy halfback by the name of Cooper Cronk to retirement.
James Tedesco continued his run as the game's premier player while Luke Keary became the team's "go to" half. His combination with young Kyle Flanagan was hugely underrated with the latter unfairly dropped then moved on.
Angus Crichton emerged as arguably the game's best second rower while Boyd Cordner had yet another strong year despite a horror run with injuries. Speaking of injuries, the Roosters lost Victor Radley for the season very early on. Sam Verrills also.
The Morris boys both continued to defy age while Daniel Tupou had a monster comeback year that saw him play Origin. SST is now one of the elite middle forwards in the game.
The Roosters have, again, been able to defy the odds to keep the large majority of their side together. Although, on paper, they've lost their starting halfback and SBW, they are well situated to replace both.
Joseph Suaalii is the big in with the freakishly talented youngster the middle of a cross-code bidding war. The Roosters managed to nab him from their bitter rivals the Bunnies, which should see some heated clashes in the future.
Mitch Aubusson's retirement brings to a close arguably the most underrated career of modern times. He will be very difficult to replace both on and off the field.
Interestingly the Roosters have been able to hold onto their prized assistant coach in Craig Fitzgibbon who had been linked with every available head coaching job. That says a lot about the Roosters set up and culture.
SEE ZT's own Dan Nichols in This Week's RLO Episode: Round One Celebration!
- The Number Six Jersey: I was shocked when the Roosters allowed Flanagan to leave for the Bulldogs, although it makes me believe Trent Robinson has a replacement ready to go. With Luke Keary moving into the halfback role the question is now who will partner him at five-eighth. Lachlan Lam looks the favourite to be named for Round One although Drew Hutchinson is also an option. Young Sam Walker has HUGE wraps on him but it looks a little early to blood him. Adam Keighran is an outside chance. The form of Keary's halves partner will largely dictate how they travel early on.
- Who steps up to replace Cordner and Aubusson: Boyd Corner's ongoing issues with concussion seem to have his future in doubt. The talk is he'll miss the opening eight-or-so rounds leaving a spot open in the back row. Whereas the usual option Mitch Aubusson would step in without any worries in the world, the Chooks now have to look elsewhere. Sitili Tupouniua is set for a monster season so I wouldn't be too worried but in saying that the Roosters will be hopeful that their captain is available again soon. With Aubusson you knew you wouldn't lose anything no matter when you played him. His loss will be felt in a big way.
- Joseph Manu: With Latrell Mitchell moving to fullback, his former centre partner Joseph Manu became the undisputed best in the business. I'd even argue he may have been leading the race even with Latrell there. That said, there are games where viewers have to check the stats to see if Manu is even on the field. There are times Manu doesn't touch the ball for seemingly an entire half, only for him to pop up, break numerous tackles and put his winger over in the corner. They have to work out how to get the most out of Manu. He is off contract at the end of 2022 and can speak to other clubs from November 1st. With a shift to fullback on his agenda, the Roosters will be very aggressive in their efforts to re-sign their prized asset.
5th
For those waiting for the Roosters to suffer a free fall, I'm afraid you'll be very disappointed this season. Although I see four better sides than them across the regular season, they'll still be there come the business end of the season.
In Tedesco and Keary the Roosters have two of the game's elite, while I'd argue Angus Crichton is a top two second rower with the gap to Kikau closing. Boyd Cordner's long-term future is in doubt but in Sitili Tupouniua the tri-colours have a ready make replacement.
Joseph Manu has a monster season ahead with teams able to talk to him as of November 1st. On his day he's the game's most destructive centre but has far too many quiet games for a player of his stature.
The Roosters pack looks well suited to the new rules with SST and Liu big but mobile. JWH seemed to be more than fine last season. Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher help to form a fearsome bench. They'll also have Victor Radley back in the early rounds, which will be HUGE.
As mentioned above, a lot will come down to who partners Luke Keary and how they perform. We saw the pressure young Flanagan found himself under through very little fault of his own.
With Keary moving to seven though, this now officially becomes his team. With the likes of the Morris twins, Tupou, Tedesco and Manu in his artillery I think he'll be more than fine.