Mole’s season review: Tragedy that Roosters carried all the way to grand final
The Sydney Roosters completed a sombre mission that began in the darkest of circumstances last December with their gripping grand final victory on Sunday night.
Trent Robinson and his players spent the entire season determined to bring just a little bit of joy back to the Bondi community after the terrorist attack that resulted in 15 innocent people losing their lives.
Billy Smith, Daniel Tupou and Roosters coach Trent Robinson. Getty Images
Even before the shocking attack, Robinson encouraged his players to get to know their large local Jewish community, with players regularly visiting synagogues in the area.
After the massacre, players held vigils with survivors and often spent time at the many sites set up in their heartland to commemorate the victims.
The heartache never left the players – so much so that in their captain’s run on Saturday, many brought sand from Bondi Beach and sprinkled it on the Accor Stadium turf as a tribute to the fallen.
The Roosters weren’t the best team throughout 2026 – their fourth place finish in the regular season shows that – but they peaked in the finals in a Melbourne Cup-like performance.
When they lost four straight games late in the season – including the first finals game to Penrith – their title challenge looked off the rails.
But the cool-headed Robinson steered the ship back to calm waters and they roared home to take the title with sudden-death wins over the Sharks, Dolphins and ultimately the Knights.
They weren’t at their best in a nail-biting grand final, but the experience of big-name signing Daly Cherry-Evans – who booted the decisive field goal – got them home.
Fullback and captain James Tedesco had arguably his best season, shattering the NRL record for running metres in a game on the biggest night of the year with nearly 400 – a stunning effort.
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase became a cult figure throughout the game and without his two classic tries in the grand final, the Knights would have taken the prize… what a pity he is leaving us.
Rob Toia goes from strength to strength and is now one of the game’s elite outside backs, while his centre partner Billy Smith now has a premiership ring to erase years of terrible injury.
Daniel Tupou broke the club’s record for try scoring during the year and his aerial threat made him one of the club’s best attacking weapons.
James Tedesco in action against the Knights. Getty Images
Sam Walker overcame a syndesmosis injury to spearhead the Roosters’ attack in the finals and his unpredictable attacking game proved the perfect foil to the steady, composed Cherry-Evans.
The Roosters’ forwards were awesome in the big games, with Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins the best front row combination in the finals.
Spencer Leniu only started nine games but his impact off the bench – especially in the grand final, turned many games.
Young back-rower Salesi Foketi came of age while his partner Siua Wong continues to develop his game.
Victor Radley is now among the Roosters’ genuine leaders and played a more disciplined style in 2026 that saw him get into less trouble with the referees and the judiciary.
Angus Crichton, who is off to rugby like Nawaqanitawase, Connor Watson, Reece Robson and Nat Butcher were also key members of the pack who made valuable contributions while Hugo Savala was a wonderful jack of all trades.
The Roosters’ professionalism – on and off the field – proved too good for the rest and they are set to continue to be among the code’s elite for years to come.
Best player: Tedesco has won Tests, Origins and premierships but it is doubtful if he has ever been more consistent than in 2026, with his stunning grand final effort the crowning glory.
Biggest disappointment: Tommy Talau came to the Roosters intent on breaking into the backline but managed just four games – with Nawaqanitawase leaving he could get his chance next year.
Key signing: Reuben Garrick is the only recognised signing to date and his strong running game, ability to play wing, centre and fullback and goal kicking will make him a real asset.
2027 gains: Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles)
2027 losses: Angus Crichton (rugby union), Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Connor Watson (Dragons), Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC)
