The 2019 NRL season is almost upon us and it's time to preview each team's chances at finals football for the season ahead.

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Sydney Roosters

Pro

Luke Keary hitting his prime. There's a number of strengths that could be listed for the reigning Premiers. However the thought of Luke Keary coming into his own after a stellar 2018 where he won the Clive Churchill Medal. He doesn't need the guidance of an experienced halfback like Cooper Cronk anymore and like he did in the Grand Final, can show that the Roosters is his team to control.

Con

Lack of depth. The Roosters have the strongest 17 in the league, however they lack quality depth to cover for injuries, suspensions and the Origin periods which will see their side take a big hit, with the likes of James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton all sure to be in the representative fold.

Best 17

  1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Isaac Liu 14. Victor Radley 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Nat Butcher 17. Mitchell Aubusson.

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: James Tedesco of the Roosters uns as the ball as Isaah Yeo of the Panthers looks to tackle during the round 15 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
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5 COMMENTS

  2. I seem to agree with a lot of these teams but really disagree with the knights. Tim Glasby, who started for the Storm and was apart of the QLD team from the last few years WILL NOT BE on the bench. I think Glasby will start at lock over Barnett who will be on the bench. Also I think SKD can’t play any defence and is only a wing now and he beats Nathan Ross. Sione Mata’utia will be the centre inside him. Obviously Ross won’t be in the bench so there’s a place for James Gavet there.

    Also with the West tigers no David Nofoaluma… No way does Josh Reynolds start round 1 in 6 over Benji. Benji was half the reason Brooks played so well last year and he deserves to start the year there. Reynolds is coming back off a huge lay off with injury and also offers ability to cover hooker off the bench. In the preseason game against the Warriors Benji rested the second half and Reynolds looked like he didn’t know the system or what to do.

    • I agree too. I left the tigers out because of salary cap dramas, Lawrence injury, old legs benji and Robbie, Zane Musgrove not registered and unsettled spine.

      The knights have the cattle. No excuses if they click.
      Brownie first coach sacked?

  3. Roosters have got plenty of depth with Mitchell can cover fullback, Lachlan Lam or Brock Lamb has 5/8 and half covered. Lindsay Collins will be on the bench and Nat Butcher will be the first in line as backup bench forward followed by Poasa Faamausili and Sitili Tupouniua as the next back up bench forwards. Ryan Hall when fit will push for a wing spot plus we have Matt Ikuvalu as another back Morris can cover centre if needed and Aubusson can cover in the backs and backrow forwards. Plenty of players at the Roosters who are multi skilled in various positions.💪🐔👍

    • Forgot to mention this is Cronks team. Keary proved a great backup in the Grand Final and half a Preliminary Final to easily handle the halfback leadership skills but with a fit Cronk Keary reverts back to his brilliant 5/8 running game with great passes at speed.💪🐔👍