As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.

15. Sydney Roosters: Failure to gel the new with the old

The Roosters were underwhelming last season, not bad - just underwhelming.

Expectations were certainly high after they fought through injury troubles in 2021 and made the finals.

The return of Luke Keary would relieve James Tedesco of some of his workload from the previous year, and he'd create a new scintillating combination with Sam Walker - this never really happened.

NRL Rd 6 - Roosters v Warriors
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Luke Keary of the Roosters looks on during the round 6 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Warriors at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 17, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Roosters weren't bad last year - far from it, but they also weren't the premiership force some hoped they would be.

The addition of Brandon Smith can only be a good thing for the tri-colours but it would be unfortunate if this spine, dripping with world-class ability, fails to gel in 2023.

This roster, despite some lean pickings in the front row, is too good to miss the top eight next year, but in my eyes, it would be a failure for Easts not to make top four and push for title contention.

1 COMMENT

  1. Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.

    However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).

    Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.