Thursday 28 February 2013

NRL 2013: Sydney Roosters Season Preview

Season Preview:
SYDNEY ROOSTERS

2013 NRL Premiership

By W D Nicolson - February 28, 2013


Last Year: 13th with a 8-15-1 (-164) record and 21 points.

@NRLTweet's BRIEF
Brian Smith was the fall-guy after failing to get the Roosters to kick-on after their 2010 Grand Final appearance... the keys have been handed to Trent Robinson but expectations might be higher in his first year than they ever were under Smith.

Click Logo for 2013 Team Preview | Link added when published



IMPACT PLAYERS
James Maloney is a sensational purchase because he makes things happen in attack and the club wasn't finished there - also adding Michael Jennings, Luke O'Donnell and a bloke called Sonny Bill Williams in a range of incredible signing coups. Maloney is a big upgrade over Braith Anasta and Sonny Bill is a match winner in the pack - the Roosters should hit pay-dirt from some if not all of these new faces.


BEST LINE-UP | If every player is available, this is the top squad listed 1-17.
Anthony MINICHIELLO
Roger TUIVASA-SHECK
Shaun KENNY-DOWALL
Michael JENNINGS
Tautau MOGA
James MALONEY
Mitchell PEARCE
Jared WAEREA-HARGREAVES
Jake FRIEND
Luke O'DONNELL
Sonny Bill WILLIAMS
Mitchell AUBUSSON
Boyd CORDNER
Bench:
Aidan GUERRA
Martin KENNEDY
Daniel MORTIMER
Frank-Paul NUUAUSALA
Coach:
Trent ROBINSON

Remainder of Top 25 Squad/NSW Cup:
Josh AILAOMAI, Tinirau ARONA, Jack BOSDEN, Kane EVANS, Adam HENRY, Ben JONES, Isaac LUI, Sam MOA, Matt MUNDINE, Dylan NAPA, Michael OLDFIELD, Usaia O'SULLIVAN, Ivan PENEHE, Paul ROKOLATI, Nafe SELUINI, Tom SYMONDS, Lama TASI, Daniel TUPOU, Henare WELLS.
Notables from U20s:
Samisoni LANGI, Clarrie MOORE, Brandon TAGO.

PREDICTED ROUND 1 TEAM
Moga won't play until mid-season, so Daniel Tupou is favourite to beat out Michael Oldfield for a wing spot. Sonny Bill Williams and Martin Kennedy are in some doubt for Round 1 due to injury, opening the door for Sam Moa and Tinirau Arona to make the squad.
SYD: Minichiello, Tuivasa-Sheck, Kenny-Dowall, Jennings, Tupou, Maloney, Pearce, Moa, Friend, Waerea-Hargreaves, Aubusson, Guerra, Cordner.
Bench: Nuuausala, Mortimer, O'Donnell, Williams/Arona/Kennedy.

Need an update on who will or won't play in Round 1?
Make sure you take a look at our dedicated NRL Injured List


YOUNGSTER WATCH
Both of the probable Round 1 wingers - Tuivasa-Sheck and Tupou have big play potential, though they both had tastes of the top grade last year. Though he might not get a run in the NRL this year - Samisoni Langi is highly regarded and was part of the Sam Perrett mid-season swap last year. And keep an eye out for Brandon Tago - the monster will be hard to miss if he does pop up in the pack this year.

HOME GAME YOU CAN'T MISS
Presuming SBW actually plays - then Round 1's NRL season opener at the SFS is the place to be against the Bunnies on March 7. If he misses that game, then the next match at home is the Broncos on Saturday March 23. Also pencil in Round 6 when the Roosters host the Bulldogs and Canterbury fans get their first chance to 'cheer' SBW.

PLAYOFF CHANCES
Stay fit and start well - they'll play in September.
The starting backline has weapons deluxe, but the end of season fortunes of the team come down to SBW's impact and health, as well as how consistent the holdovers are from 2012 - especially in regards to their defence. Talent isn't lacking, application is the question mark... and if they start badly and SBW isn't fit... okay Roosters fans - we won't go there.


@NRLTweet's PREDICTED REGULAR SEASON FINISH
10th | Given the talent that has been assembled this squad should play in September, but you don't win games on paper.

The NRL Injury List is updated regularly during each week of the season, making it an invaluable Fantasy and Tipping Tool alongside our Weekly NRL Previews once again.

Remember if you want game-specific Late Mail every week, then check out our Round Previews Every Wednesday and they are updated with all the very latest Late Mail on Friday.

If we are missing any players on this list - please comment below, reply on Twitter or email this address.
Can James Maloney or Mitchell Pearce take Ben Barba's mantle as the game's best player in the 2013 @NRLTweet Player of the Year Awards?

The Prestigious Award returns for a 4th season in 2013.

Remember you can track all the votes each week after each match in 2013 via the Twitter hashtag #nrltweetpoty