After a disappointing season by their high standards, the Roosters have been ruthless over the summer.
Nine players with top-grade experience have been let go and the Roosters should have a fresher, leaner look in 2024.
Only two ‘name’ players have come in – but Dominic Young (Knights) and Spencer Leniu (Panthers) are both quality additions who will walk into an already strong top XIII.
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The Roosters’ biggest hurdles in recent years have been injuries and suspensions and it’s shaping that way again in 2024.
The club has kept the physios and surgeons working overtime for the past three or four years and 2023 was no exception with star players Angus Crichton, Billy Smith, Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua and Sam Walker missing large chunks of the season.
But their absence allowed the likes of Siua Wong, Naufahu Whyte, Sandon Smith, Junior Pauga and Terrell May to show their talents and all should play a part in the club’s premiership campaign next season.
Discipline remains a concern – the Roosters conceded the second most penalties in the NRL with 169 (the Storm narrowly edged them out with 172) and lost several games due to brain explosions.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley were the chief offenders and the pair are at the top of the referees’ naughty list.
Both are real talents on their day but need to tone down the aggression or it could again cost the Roosters dearly.
2024 gains: Dominic Young (Knights), Spencer Leniu (Panthers)
2024 losses: Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), Matt Lodge (Sea Eagles), Paul Momirovski (Leeds Rhinos), Drew Hutchison (Bulldogs), Jake Turpin (Bulldogs), Corey Allan (unsigned), Nathan Brown (Sea Eagles), Paul Momirovski (unsigned), Ben Thomas (unsigned)
Predicted finish: 4th to 7th