We've reached the halfway point of the 2025 NRL season, and the competition is still tighter than ever. Just six points separate 5th place from last, meaning the Top 8 could look very different come finals time.

With all 17 clubs still in the hunt for a playoff berth, one thing is clear: no side in this competition is invincible.

What is the chink in your club's armor? We analyse every club's kryptonite as we inch closer to finals footy.

2Sydney Roosters: Sam Walker's health

"He’s done a really good job": Roosters skipper defends Walker amid criticism
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Sam Walker of the Roosters looks on during the NRL Elimination Final match between Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast Titans at QCB Stadium, on September 11, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Sydney Roosters can definitely win a premiership in 2025, but as fans know, they play their best rugby league with Sam Walker steering the ship.

With the young star missing for most of the year due to injury, the Roosters will be hoping he can kick back into gear as soon as possible once he's fit and firing.

Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala have done a fine job in the halves, but by no means are they a premiership-winning combination.

If Walker can't get to his best in time for finals, you can draw the red line through the Roosters in 2025.

The elite sides need at least one elite half, and with the top squads sporting stars like Matt Burton, Jahrome Hughes, Luke Metcalf, and Nathan Cleary, the Roosters will struggle to keep up in high-intensity matches of finals footy.

While many were hoping Walker would be back by now, there is still time for the 23-year-old to make his mark when he returns in a few weeks.

However, if his rustiness goes beyond a couple of games, we may not see the Roosters lift the Provan-Summons Trophy this season.