It’s doubtful any club in the history of the game has suffered a worse injury toll than the Roosters in 2021 – but the men in red, white and blue kept turning up.
The massive injury toll made a premiership in 2021 impossible, but this season, with a fit and younger roster, beware the Roosters.
The Sam Walker-Luke Keary halfback combination could be the key to how far the Roosters go in the finals.
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Here’s Wide World of Sports’ preview for the Tri-Colours’ upcoming season.
2021 finishing position: 5th
Gains: Connor Watson (Knights), Renouf Atoni (Bulldogs), Paul Momirovski (Panthers)
Losses: Isaac Liu (Titans), Josh Morris (retired), Brett Morris (retired), Jake Friend (retired), Boyd Cordner (retired), Dale Copley (retired), Matt Ikuvalu (Sharks)
Best 17: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Joey Manu, 4. Billy Smith, 5. Joseph Suaalii, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills,10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Sitili Tupouniua, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Connor Watson, 15. Paul Momirovski, 16. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 17. Renouf Atoni.
Greatest strength: James Tedesco is arguably the second best fullback in the game and his raids from the backfield have led the way for many Roosters tries in recent seasons. With strike power around him, he can lead the Roosters deep into the finals.
Biggest question mark: Can all the players who suffered serious injuries last season return to their best in 2022 – and will the Roosters’ wretched luck turn?
Man under pressure: Luke Keary is coming back from major knee surgery and has struggled with head knocks in recent years. Can he find his form and confidence quickly with no trials under his belt?
Biggest loss: Four big ones – the Morris twins, Cordner and Friend rob the Roosters of many hundreds of games of experience.
Predicted 2022 finishing position: 5th
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