While their mediocre start to the 2025 season may not seem like much, the Sydney Roosters are in a prime position to dominate the NRL for the next few years, if they play their cards right.
With elite young gun Sam Walker at the club long-term, a war chest to spend on another star, and plenty of Dally M-calibre players on the market, the Roosters simply need to pick their poison.
There is no doubt that for the Roosters to be successful, Sam Walker needs to steer the ship.
With superstar playmakers Lachlan Galvin and Daly Cherry-Evans looking for new clubs and rising guns Hugo Savala and Sandon Smith already in the system, the club needs to make a call on its direction for the next decade.
2. Sticking with Hugo Savala and Sandon Smith
An option not many NRL fans are considering, and perhaps the least glamorous choice for the Sydney Roosters to make, allowing their current young halves Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala a shot at the vacant No. 6 jumper.
Both offering different but serviceable qualities to the Sydney Roosters' attack, Savala and Smith are the current halves pairing steering the ship in Walker's absence.
Playing their most impressive game to date last week against the St George Illawarra Dragons, both playmakers showcased their ability to shine when given the opportunity.
Smith has already proven he can play alongside Walker in the No. 6 jersey, with the 22-year-old excelling in his role as second-fiddle.
If the Roosters were to stick with this halves combination for the foreseeable future, Smith can continue to grow his game as an NRL-level half alongside Walker, while also not breaking the bank.
It can be argued that Savala is the more naturally talented of the two playmakers, and with the right development, could potentially form a star partnership with Walker.
Savala also would be a salary cap-friendly option for the next couple of seasons and could potentially be the best long-term option if the Roosters are willing to remain patient.
