The Sydney Roosters head into 2026 in a position they are accustomed to. Expectations are high, pressure is constant, and anything less than a deep finals run will be viewed as a failure.
Despite shedding a huge amount of experience at the end of 2024, the Roosters produced an inconsistent but impressive 2025 campaign, one where many expected them to struggle to even make the top eight. Instead, they found a way.
A number of young players exceeded expectations and stepped into roles they had been developed for across multiple seasons. The rise of Naufahu Whyte and the emergence of Robert Toia gave the Roosters a stronger platform through the middle and on the edges than most predicted. Sam Walker continued his progression as one of the most talented young halves in the competition, while James Tedesco turned back the clock in a way that shocked even his critics.
After falling out of favour in representative football in recent seasons, Tedesco adjusted his game, found a new balance, and ran away with the Dally M Player of the Year award. It was a reminder that the Roosters still have elite class at the top end of their roster.
Now, they add one of the biggest signings in the modern era. Daly Cherry-Evans arrives in his 16th season of NRL football and likely the final chapter of his career. With his leadership, his kicking game, and his ability to control matches, the Roosters have immediately become one of the most feared teams in the competition.
Combined with a forward pack so deep they could almost field two NRL-quality sides, the Roosters are expected to compete hard for the premiership and will almost certainly start the year in the top three or four of the betting markets.
But even with all that upside, there are still improvement areas. Finishing eighth is not the standard at the Roosters. If they are to turn that ladder position into a genuine premiership run, they will need key players to lift their consistency, durability, and impact across the season.
These are the five players who must improve for the Roosters to obtain the edge over their fellow heavyweights in 2026!
3. Victor Radley
Why his role is so important
Victor Radley has been a massive part of the Roosters for many years. An Origin class player who did not earn the nickname Victor the Inflictor for nothing. While he is not a massive body, his aggression and intent have been a huge part of the Roosters identity. He has helped set the tone for the club for many seasons.
Radley has played a lot of football in the lock position and showed strong ball playing ability for quite a while. More recently, he has also spent time on an edge in the second row to good effect. His presence, experience and the confidence he gives teammates has always been important to what the Roosters do.
With the depth of the Roosters pack and the emergence of younger forwards, Radley's role may continue to change and evolve. But no matter where he plays, his impact and physical intent is still one of the key ingredients that helps the Roosters compete with the best packs in the competition.
What needs to improve
Radley has had issues over the years with getting his timing right, often spending time on the sidelines through suspensions for high tackles. His tackling style also caused him his own concussions, often putting his head in positions where most players would not.
Over the last couple of seasons, it feels like Radley's impact on the team has not been as strong. That may be because he has been trying to adjust his style and his tackling technique. But in doing so, it seems to have interfered slightly with the intent that has always defined his game.
As a result, we have seen a lower return statistically, and less of that trademark presence that once made him one of the most feared forwards in the competition.
Why his improvement matters
In 2026, the Roosters will need Victor Radley to get back close to his aggressive best, while still applying the learnings and techniques that will help him stay on the field. They need him playing with that Victor the Inflictor mindset again, because that is what makes him such a difference maker.
They will also need his impact in attack to lift back toward where it was, whether he is playing as a lock or on an edge. The Roosters pack has immense depth, but the question will always be whether they can dominate the very best packs in the competition when it matters most.
They absolutely can, but only if players like Victor Radley are playing at their peak.
