Why every team can and can’t win the 2026 NRL premiership

Why they can: Representative experience and depth
The Roosters have a stacked spine, combining experience and depth across the squad with promising young talent coming through.

If the new halves combination of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker clicks, it could give the team an attacking edge that is extremely hard to stop, unlocking their full offensive potential and keeping opposition defenses under constant pressure.

Along with the addition of Reece Robson, the Roosters will boast one of the most experienced and representative-heavy spines in the competition, giving them the foundation to dominate in key moments and mount a serious premiership challenge.

Why they can't: Failing to find their new rhythm
After signing Queensland playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans, there have been plenty of question marks over how the Roosters' new spine will function. All their elite representatives bring unique playing styles, and it's unclear whether these combinations will click or collide.

The team last won a Grand Final in 2019, and although they've lost players and dealt with injuries in recent seasons, much of the challenge comes from finding cohesion within the squad itself.

With the team struggling to find its rhythm, it may be time to consider whether Trent Robinson's approach is still getting the best out of this group, and whether a fresh coaching perspective is needed to guide them through the season.

Ultimately, the success of the Roosters will hinge on whether Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker can form a productive halves pairing capable of driving the team through the finals.