As the 2023 season ends for a number of clubs, we look back on the highs and lows for every club, their best player, the changes they need to make for next season and an early prediction for where they will finish in 2024.
In this edition, we look at the Sydney Roosters, a side that recovered from an ordinary start to the season to make an impressive run into the finals.
Roosters – 7th – (13-11, -24)
The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for the Sydney Roosters who ultimately failed to live up to preseason expectations. With many predicting the tricolours to make an appearance on Grand Final day, after signing Storm star Brandon Smith, the Roosters started off the season in poor form. Losing to the Dolphins in Round 1 set the tone for the first half of the season but it was a completely different side post-Origin. Sitting in 14th in Round 22, the Roosters won their last five games, including a final round thriller against the South Sydney Rabbitohs to secure a spot in the top eight. After getting past the Cronulla Sharks in Week One, the Roosters came within inches of making a preliminary final and proved to be one of the form sides of the competition in the final two months.
Highlight
Beating the Rabbitohs to secure a finals spot in the final round The biggest rivalry in the NRL took centre stage in Round 27, with the two historic clubs battling it out for the right to play finals football in 2023. Replaying the iconic final round fixture between the two clubs last year both sides had injury and suspension concerns heading into the clash. The Roosters took control of the game from the early stages and never looked back. A side with every excuse not to perform, the Roosters showed plenty of determination and earned bragging rights over their long time rivals. Considering where the club sat on the ladder throughout certain stages of the 2023 season, a top eight finish was a respectable achievement.
Lowlight
Losing after the siren to the Dragons
Sitting at 5-6 for the season, the Roosters were matched up against a St George Illawarra Dragons side fresh off sacking coach Anthony Griffin. In a game where the Roosters were expected to put on a convincing score, the club’s early season woes showed its ugly head. With Brandon Smith suffering a broken thumb and Victor Radley eventually being suspended for a headbutt, the Roosters’ afternoon went from bad to worse in the final play of the game. Conceding a try after the siren and gifting a struggling Dragons’ side a rare win was one of the lowest points in the club’s recent history.
Best player
Linsday Collins
2023 was a career-defying season for the Roosters’ enforcer as he established himself as one of the game’s elite forwards. Despite starting the season slow, Collins came out of a successful Origin period a different player and it began to rub off on his teammates. Averaging 112 run metres per game whilst making 90.5 per cent of tackles, Collins became the Roosters’ best and most consistent player throughout the 2023 season.
Honourable Mention: Nat Butcher
What they need for 2024
An improved attack
For a side boasting some of the biggest names in the NRL, finishing with the 2nd worst attack in the NRL is a stain on the side’s 2023 showing. The Roosters’ woes in attack were highlighted in both matches against the Penrith Panthers, where the tricolours failed to score more than one try, whilst conceding over 30 points in both outings. With more attacking weapons joining next season, there is no excuse for the Roosters not to be a top eight attacking side.
Early prediction
4th
The Roosters enter 2023 with essentially the same squad but will add Spencer Leniu and Dom Young. Both players are sure to make an immediate impact whilst the likes of Siua Wong and the Butcher brothers look poised to have another big year in the forward line.
Grade
B-