The Mole's end of season review: Maligned signing suddenly looms as Roosters saviour after exodus, injuries

Roosters: 2023 finish: 7th | 2024 finish: 3rd

One of the most successful eras in the Roosters' long history came to an end just one game short of another grand final in 2024.

With star players Joseph Suaalii (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans) and Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs) all departing and no big names coming in at this stage, it's hard to see the Roosters coming close to emulating their third placed finish next season.

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The Roosters were the Harlem Globetrotters of the league this campaign, scoring a remarkable 738 points and 130 tries for an average of 30.8 points and 5.4 tries per game - well ahead of the pack.

But late season injuries to two key members of their spine - brilliant half Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith - reduced much of their strike power and they lost two of their three finals to narrowly miss the big dance.

Had they been at full strength, they may have been a threat to the Panthers and Storm - but it wasn't to be and a younger, much different looking Roosters side will have to start from scratch in 2025.

The back three - James Tedesco (17 tries), Daniel Tupou (21) and Dominic Young (20) - were as good as any in the league and scored nearly half the team's tries between them.

Centres Suaalii and Manu were both outstanding and their departures will leave a huge hole, with the veteran Michael Jennings unlikely to be re-signed.

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Walker was as dangerous as any playmaker in the NRL on his day and losing him on the eve of the finals was a cruel blow.

His halves partner Luke Keary was a steady, experienced hand - as he has been for a decade in the NRL - and he will also be hard to replace in 2025.

Victor Radley was a tower of strength at lock and showed his courage by playing the finals with a broken scapula.

Waerea-Hargreaves became the most capped Rooster of all time and while he isn't everyone's cup of tea, he proved himself to be a true warrior who never took a backward step.

His front row partner Lindsay Collins also had a fine season but his first tackle knockout in the last game against the Storm hurt the team badly.

Terrell May was great up front and proved himself one of the best impact players off the bench in the league, playing all 27 games.

Back-rower Angus Crichton enjoyed his best season in the NRL and will come close to claiming a Dally M positional award this week.

Spencer Leniu was solid in his first season as a Rooster but still didn't quite manage to emulate his Penrith form.

Aware of the problems replacing so many departing stars would cause, coach Trent Robinson blooded youngsters like Naufahu Whyte, Junior Pauga, Siua Wong, De La Salle Va'a, Blake Steep, Sandon Smith and Ethan King.

How these youngsters handle the step up to regular first grade could well determine whether the Roosters succeed or fail in 2025.

Best player: He may have lost his State of Origin spot, but James Tedesco played as well as in any season of his career, scoring 17 tries and setting up countless more.

Needs to lift: Brandon Smith is an attacking weapon on his day but the Roosters have yet to see him regularly produce the form from his time at the Storm in Sydney.

Best signing: With so many experienced players leaving, veteran halfback Chad Townsend may find himself a key figure at the club next season.

2025 gains: Chad Townsend (Cowboys)

2025 losses: Joseph Suaalii (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs)