The NRL is a constantly evolving landscape of teams changing through injuries, players being signed, players being released, and youngsters breaking through.
New coaches, new talents, and varying form also have a significant say in who is and who isn't in the best 17.
Zero Tackle have run the rule over what every team looked like at the end of 2024 against what it looks like at the end of 2025 to determine where the changes, improvements, and failures are.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters are a different-looking side from the one that played last year.
James Tedesco might still be the fullback, but that's where it stops. Robert Toia and Billy Smith have had breakout seasons, while Mark Nawaqanitawase has gone to a new level.
Joseph Suaalii is now in rugby union, and so too is Joseph Manu, while Luke Keary is in the English Super League. Sam Walker's return from injury has been boosted by the breakout form of Hugo Savala.
The forwards are a little more settled, although Terrell May and Sitili Tupouniua are no longer at the club, replaced internally by young Roosters who have all had strong seasons, led by Naufahu Whyte, who could genuinely be considered among the best middle forwards in the game at the end of 2025.
2024 Roosters
2025 Roosters
| Fullback |
| Wing |
| Centre |
| Centre |
| Wing |
| Five-eighth |
| Halfback |
| Prop |
| Hooker |
| Prop |
| Second Row |
| Second Row |
| Lock |
| Interchange |
| Interchange |
| Interchange |
| Interchange |
| Reserves |
