Season Review: Sydney Roosters

The Roosters entered the season with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Although they bowed out in last year’s finals, I’d argue they had a better roster entering 2015 than last year.

The addition of former Origin centre Blake Ferguson, and the move of Kiwi superstar RTS to fullback, made the Roosters even more dangerous than in years gone by.

With arguably the best halves partnership in the competition, one of the best back rows in the game, and two anvils in the front row, how could they fail?

Unfortunately they fell short of capturing their second title in three years, however they were well worth their minor premiership.

Season Highlight: 30-0 Win Over Souths (Round 26)

There was a mountain of pressure on the Roosters going into their round 26 match up. A huge home crowd would be on hand to see them host arch rivals the Bunnies, with the Minor Premiership on the line.

If the Roosters did feel pressure, they sure didn’t show it, as they delivered an absolute hammering to the Bunnies.

Jennings scored in the eighth minute and from there it was almost a free for all for the rampant Roosters.

It was 30-nil at half time, and the Roosters completely turned off as they cruised toward the finals.

Season Lowlight: 20-18 loss to the Storm (Quarter Final)

The Roosters were placed to be the only side in the competition not to have to travel at any time during the finals series, apart from the possibility of a half hour bus trip on Grand Final day.

Unfortunately it all came unstuck, and a lot more difficult, via their home defeat to the Melbourne Storm in the first week of the finals.

They just couldn’t get it going on that fateful Friday Night against the Storm, until it was too late, and ultimately ended up losing their advantage.

Coming a week after their hammering of South Sydney, it’s hard to say what went wrong. Unfortunately for the Roosters though, it did.

Star Player: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

The 22 year-old Kiwi graduated from a decent winger to a genuine world class superstar of the game.

Routinely running for over 200, and sometimes even over 300, metres per game, teams started trying to avoid the wrecking ball fullback at all costs.

He made an amazing 15 line breaks, scored 11 tries and set up 12 more. He became one of the game’s most dangerous attacking weapons.

Every second the Roosters invested in him paid huge dividends in 2015. Unfortunately his best footy will likely come across the ditch.

Most Disappointing Player: Mitchell Pearce

Pearce didn’t have a terrible 2015 by any stretch, but he was well outplayed by his halves partner James Maloney, and didn’t stand up in the finals.

He was electric in 2014, and to this day I believe the Roosters won the title the minute their halves were overlooked for Origin duty.

The ridiculous media scrutiny he is under come Origin time cannot be good for his confidence or state of mind, and I don’t doubt it played a part in his late season drop off of form.

Pearce will have to step up next season after Maloney’s absence, and I believe he will be a better player for the responsibility.

2015 wasn’t his best season, but I know many players who would have swapped positions with him in terms of form.

Future Star: Jackson Hastings

19 year-old Jackson Hastings has long had big wraps on him, however in 2015 he went a long way to justifying the hype.

Hastings has a closet full of junior Kangaroo and NSW jerseys to go with his 19 NRL appearances, however he has bigger and better things to come.

He replaced Mitchell Pearce with a stride in his step, and has earned first crack at the departing Maloney’s number six jersey next season.

There was talk of Hastings wanting out of the Roosters earlier this season, and whether those were true or not, it looks as though he will be an integral part of the club’s future.

Best Signing For 2016: Joe Burgess

Many NRL fans wouldn’t know Joe Burgess, but they soon will. Let’s just say the former Wigan flyer knows his way to the try line.

His 49 tries in 55 games in the ESL went a long way to helping Wigan reach back to back grand finals in the past two years.

At 21 years of age, it’s probable that he is yet to reach his physical peak, so his timing in moving to the NRL is perfect.

The difference in quality between the two leagues is well documented, but Burgess has every tool at his disposal to make the transition, and the rugby league world at his feet.

Outlook:

The big question is whether or not the Roosters can replace Maloney and RTS. In Hastings and probably Ferguson, they have two pretty handy readymade replacements.

Two players, no matter how good they are, will sink this Roosters juggernaut. There’s way too much talent there, and their coach is too astute.

Right now I couldn’t tell you how the Roosters will fare in 2016, but I wouldn’t be placing money on them missing the finals.

With talent a plenty coming from their junior ranks, and the majority of their squad intact, the Roosters domination, at least in the regular rounds, may not yet be over.

Season Grading: B-

For the second straight season the Roosters dropped out in the finals despite finishing top of the competition in the regular rounds.

The majority of their superstars lived up to their lofty reputations, and their young stars in Hastings and Taukeiaho played well beyond their years.

They didn’t capture the premiership, but the Roosters had a brilliant season. Any other side would have been happy with a minor premiership and a semi-final appearance, although I suspect the Roosters brass aren’t smiling.

History will show this side has won three straight minor premierships, and one title. Only their fans can really say if that is worthy of their almost unmatched roster.