Sydney Roosters 2012 season preview
Reached the Grand Final in 2010, hugely disappointing last year – what does 2012 hold for the Roosters?
Four wins at the tail end of last season elevated the Roosters to an 11th placed finish having at one stage looked to be on their way to the wooden spoon.
The ambitious Roosters board has spent much of the close season wooing Sonny Bill Williams and it seems they are treating 2012 as a rebuilding year.
Todd Carney and Nate Myles have moved on and their departures, while improving the dressing room atmosphere, leave the Chooks looking vulnerable.
None of the new arrivals appear to be automatic first choices, although the well-regarded Jack Bosden is one to keep an eye on.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall, BJ Leilua and Sam Perrett can cause opponents plenty of problems if given enough the ball – the problem for the Roosters will be making that happen.
Prediction: 16th
Players in: Daniel Mortimer, Daniel Tupou (Both Eels), Adam Henry (Warriors), Josh Ailaomai (Knights), Jack Bosden and Peni Tagive (Both Dragons)
Players out: Todd Carney (Sharks), Nate Myles, Phil Graham (Both Titans), Anthony Watts (Widnes), Jason Ryles (Storm), Kane Linnett (Cowboys), Mark Riddell and Daniel Conn (Both retired)
Coach: Brian Smith – Took the Roosters to the 2010 Grand Final but last season was one to forget and a slow start to 2012 could see his position come under close scrutiny.
Star man: Mitchell Pearce – The gifted half back failed to hit top form in 2011 and will be under pressure to perform now he is the club’s senior playmaker.
Breakthrough year: Martin Kennedy – Old fashioned prop who runs hard and straight, named in the emerging Queensland squad and no surprise to see him make his Origin debut in 2012.
Young gun: Tautau Moga – Powerful 18-year-old centre who has been labelled as the next Greg Inglis and would have made his debut last season but for red tape.
