Smith wants Roosters to aim up

Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith wants his team to double their efforts next season in a bid to prevent them slipping into mediocrity.

After guiding the tricolours from wooden-spooners in 2009 to grand finalists last year, Smith says repeating their success next season will be a big challenge.

‘‘The obvious thing is that you think that it’s all going to happen again just because it did last year rather than thinking about what it was that got us there last year,’’ Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘‘It was the consistent efforts of almost everyone in our club, from our board and our management. We were all one big tight team last year so I hope we can do that again. That’s the core of why we did well last season.’’

The Roosters have signed winger Justin Carney from Canberra and North Queensland hooker Anthony Watts in the off-season, but the combinations that proved successful last year are set to remain.

Smith says he has hopes for more from the players in 2011.

‘‘I hope the expectation’s a bit higher than at this time last year but I think the expectation grew amongst us all as last season grew itself,’’ he said.

‘‘It was a most enjoyable season, and with the number of young guys that we’ve got, almost all returning to us this year and with us all knowing each other a bit better, I think we’re in for a great opportunity in 2011. I think we had a great 2010, and I think we’re in a great position to have an even better 2011.’’