Your breakout star for 2025

[Intercept]

Watching the Grand Final the other night, it's easy to see the gulf between those two sides and the stuff we dished up late in the season. Throw in the loss of a handful of club legends and some other very good contributors, the injuries to Walker and Smith (of the Cheese variety) and it's hard to see how we compete. That is, unless there are one or two breakout stars in 2025. So, I thought it might be uplifting to talk about the guys that might exceed expectations and help close the gap, as well as the reasons you're confident they will.

I'll get it started by nominating Blake Steep. The lad looks ready. He's big and strong and agile and will only grow in confidence with another off season pumping weights. He seems right at home in first grade and I think he will quickly nail down a spot. I've seen him compared to Boyd Cordner and it's not just the chin. He has work rate and talent in abundance. He has courage. I think he will give our pack a new dimension.

Your turn...

[King Salvo]

Not sure what Coach Strange has in mind for 2025 as far as the Fullback position goes with Sam Bremner retiring - Corban Baxter will be back although was training at 5/8 - Can't leave Jocelyn Kelleher out of the side.

Be interesting to see how Tyra Ekepati goes - lightening quick

https://www.tiktok.com/@theshortball...nder_device=pc

[BTRD]

I hope: Mr Wong. Looks strong and knows how to run straight. Fingers crossed for good and honest coaching for him. No mind games.

[Thirteen]

Va’a is the man.

[Chook2]

I’m hoping there will be more then one
1. predict Whyte and Wong to lock in on 2025 getting regular spots in the 17 and nailing down positions even if they are bench
2. toia in the centres to nail a role
3. Marky N to show his value at right centre
4. Vaa bros to kick on and really put pressure in the 17

[Cooko]

Not sure what Coach Strange has in mind for 2025 as far as the Fullback position goes with Sam Bremner retiring - Corban Baxter will be back although was training at 5/8 - Can't leave Jocelyn Kelleher out of the side.

Be interesting to see how Tyra Ekepati goes - lightening quick

https://www.tiktok.com/@theshortball...nder_device=pc

Those highlights are incredible. It's like they've cloned prime Latrell in female form.

[rented tracksuit]

Not sure what Coach Strange has in mind for 2025 as far as the Fullback position goes with Sam Bremner retiring - Corban Baxter will be back although was training at 5/8 - Can't leave Jocelyn Kelleher out of the side.

Be interesting to see how Tyra Ekepati goes - lightening quick

https://www.tiktok.com/@theshortball...nder_device=pc

Still trolling I see.

[rented tracksuit]

Va’a is the man.

100%. Poor bugger is gonna have a tonne of expectation on him tho. I’m sure he will live up to it.

[Rooster_6]

Hard to go past Robert Toia, got to imagine he’ll be given first crack at centre. Physically showed some really good signs to finish the year in NSW Cup, it’ll just be how he adapts to the defensive workload and decision making of an NRL centre. Just about the toughest position on the field to defend in from a decision making point of view.

Blake Steep will be the other interesting one, if Robinson sticks with Watson at 9 until Brandon comes back from his ACL and he proceeds to play Radley on the right edge I think Steep could be a surprise starter in the 13 come round 1 should he have a good off season.

[RoosterBooster]

Sandon Smith, we forgot he is still basically a rookie, most games he has played have been off the bench and out of position. For us to have any hope of top 4 he needs to be a breakout star

[King Salvo]

Not sure about stars just need 17 players competing for 80 minutes week in and week out - All know the drill - high set completions / low errors and discipline.

In 2024 the Roosters were number 1 in attack and 5th in defence - Penrith 6th in attack and 1st in defence - Storm 2nd in attack and 4th in defence.

Not sure how the attack will go in relation to generating points so it may well be an opportunity to work on improving the defence plus playing for 80 minutes

Playing for 50 or 60 minutes in a game is a pass mark when playing against a number of teams but it won't cut the mustard against the better teams.

The Roosters will need to be a 7 as a minimum or a 8 team on a much more consistent basis week in week out and across the 80 minutes - a 9 against the better teams

[Steakface]

Not sure about stars just need 17 players competing for 80 minutes week in and week out - All know the drill - high set completions / low errors and discipline.

In 2024 the Roosters were number 1 in attack and 5th in defence - Penrith 6th in attack and 1st in defence - Storm 2nd in attack and 4th in defence.

Not sure how the attack will go in relation to generating points so it may well be an opportunity to work on improving the defence plus playing for 80 minutes

Playing for 50 or 60 minutes in a game is a pass mark when playing against a number of teams but it won't cut the mustard against the better teams.

The Roosters will need to be a 7 as a minimum or a 8 team on a much more consistent basis week in week out and across the 80 minutes - a 9 against the better teams

Agree very much.

We don't have the superstar brilliance of the past to make calypso football a viable option.

We almost need to be 'boring' god forbid if we are going to in any way contend in 2025.

Play for field position and hold onto the pill.

[Steakface]

Breakout Star: Wong. Sure he is already there, but is not a regular first grade fixture. By the end of 2025 he will be consistently tearing holes in the opposition line and become known as one of the best attacking back rowers in the comp.

Surprise Packet: The Chad. I reckon Townsend will be a steady hand, and a handy leader. He'll create plenty of opportunities.

Dissapointment: Watson.

Not that I don't think he is good - on the contrary, i think he is - but what i'm saying is I think we've seen the best of him. BY 'dissapointment' I mean that the average Chook fan (erroneously) thinks he has an upward trajectory ahead.

He is extremely fit and energetic, which means he is always competitive, but he is behind par in aspects like passing game, kicking, dummy half work etc. I like him in the 14. jersey only, which is where his positive traits will shine and he will continue to be a great player. But I don't like him as a starter.

[top_joe]

Not sure what Coach Strange has in mind for 2025 as far as the Fullback position goes with Sam Bremner retiring - Corban Baxter will be back although was training at 5/8 - Can't leave Jocelyn Kelleher out of the side.

Be interesting to see how Tyra Ekepati goes - lightening quick

https://www.tiktok.com/@theshortball...nder_device=pc

Strong through the hips & thighs as well - could be a great find

[top_joe]

Has to be Wong.