The Mole's NRL season preview: Why the signs are worrying for the Sydney Roosters
Is the era of Roosters' dominance over now that their premiership run has ended? The signs are worrying.
RECRUITMENT: The game's big spenders have been noticeably quiet over the summer, losing a heap of experience and not signing a single top-liner. Do have some good kids coming through though.
STRENGTHS: The strike power of James Tedesco, Luke Keary, the Morris boys and Joey Manu out wide. Awesome if given time and space to move.
WEAKNESSES: Need to clean up their act with referees - conceded more offside penalties than any team in the game last year and were often punished for this. Also won just three of their 10 games against teams in the top six in 2020. Trent Robinson will want to see a big improvement here.
Boyd Cordner Getty
MAN UNDER PRESSURE: Jake Friend - been a great player for the club for many years but has two great young guys in Victor Radley and Sam Verills breathing down his neck for the key hooking role.
ONE TO WATCH: The wonderkid Joseph Suaalii - is he up to the hype? We will find out in August when he turns 18 and gets to play against grown men.
WHAT THE BOOKIES SAY: To win comp $6, to make finals $1.12 (via Sportsbet).
WHAT MOLEY SAYS: I have real doubts about the Roosters - largely because three of their main men - Boyd Cordner, Friend and Keary - all had repeated concussion problems last year. All three will be closely monitored every time they play.
