Tweet
Roosters Season Preview
Written By Scott Morrison
Six more sleeps to go until Roosters fans get a chance to forget 2009 and look forward to 2010. This scribe is not one to live in the past; however last year was a tough year on and off the field. One that should never be repeated!
A new coach should bring new ideas, a fresh way to look at things. By all reports, Brian Smith has an excellent record in establishing systems within clubs, that benefit’s the players in all grades. Smith has his detractors there is no doubt about that, he has not won a competition, which is a benchmark for an excellent coach, however he has coached at the highest level for many years and achieved excellent results with his previous Australian and UK teams. When Smith is interviewed he appears to have an astute football brain, and exudes passion required for his job. The media coverage of Smith and the Roosters has been very positive in the off season, especially after the Mason debacle was sorted out.
The recruitment of Todd Carney is massive, this kid was on the verge of playing for NSW and Australia before his troublesome times began, which resulted in him playing for the Roosters in North Queensland, ironic don’t you think. All signs through the pre-season indicate Carney could be our most important signing since Brad Fitler came to the club in 1996, his trial form has been outstanding. He looks fit, strong and most importantly he is a footballer with a football brain, which will assist in creating attacking options the Roosters lacked in 2009.
The other major signing for the club is Jared Warea-Hardgreaves, who has potential to become a real force in this competition. An early season shoulder injury has delayed his debut for the Roosters, however when this kid is on the field the entire team will lift. His performances in the end of season games for New Zealand were outstanding, he is tough, quick and has ball skills to add to these important attributes. He will be a welcome addition to a pack that needed some sting added to it.
The loss of experienced players is always hard to cover however the recruitment of Jason Ryles will assist in making up for the loss of our beloved bald headed Fitzy. Although Ryles has always played for the enemy, he has been respected from afar, he has represented at the highest level and will be a solid leader for our young pack.
Throw into the mix a rejuvenated Nate Myles, a fit and strong Tom Symonds, together with Mitchell Aubusson and Daniel Conn, we have some solid, fit, skilled and strong back rowers. Albeit the loss of Anthony Cherington for the season is tough to accept as this young bloke had a terrible 2009, he has plenty of potential however we may have to wait another 12 months to see it (dam shame).
Our bookends need to stand up and deliver this year. Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Lopini Paea need to join Jason Ryles in a three way wrecking machine that goes forward all year long. We have some good young forwards in the full time squad this year, Aiden Guerra has played well in the trials, Cheyse Blair has plenty of ability, Jason Baiteri looks promising as does Boyd Cordner who unfortunately joins Cherington on the bench for 2010 as a result of an early season injury.
Big things are expected of Mitchell Pearce in 2010. With 65 first grade games to his credit by the age of 20, it just goes to show how young he was when he first came into our squad. His combination with Carney is crucial this year. Pearce has pace, can kick the ball longer than most, and has a tough, uncompromising defensive style. His desire to win is written all over his face each week. A true competitor who can take the Roosters to the next level. Dally M winner in the making and a possible future Australian Captain in the years to come.
Our backline also offers plenty of questions, the recruitment of Phil Graham will be a positive for our Centre options, which appears to be where we lack a bit of strength. Sam Perrett was outstanding in 2009, one player who could hold his head high every week, however his best position is winger. Could our beloved Mini get back to the form that saw him win the Golden Boot award for the best player in the game? When Mini is on fire he is so hard to stop, let’s hope he remains injury free and plays every minute of every week.
Media reports suggest Braith is struggling with his ankle injury. It will be interesting to see where and how Braith is used. Smith’s decision to start Carney at fullback and Braith at five eighth holds logic. Does Braith fit the mould of a lock forward making 50 tackles a game? “I don’t think so”.
We have a plethora of young backs yet to make their mark, Ryan Williamson has plenty of ability, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua has showed some nice form in trails; especially against Parramatta. The quick and fast Kane Linnett is also a fine prospect, as is Tuigamala who has now had a year to settle in. There is also the South African prospect JP Du Plessis and Liam Foran. However the jury remains out on whether any of these kids make the grade this year.
Our troublesome position appears to be the nine. James Aubusson was injured and disappointing last year, especially after some of the form he showed at the Storm previously. Let’s hope he starts 2010 in better form. The loss of Jake Friend is sad more than anything, this kid has plenty of ability and will be back for sure and certain at some stage for the Roosters, maybe not 2010. The surprise packet could be Ben Jones who was outstanding in the All Star game at dummy half and will make a perfect bench player who can cover the halves as well as hooker.
All in all a promising off season, with some necessary changes made and some excellent recruitment, which will mean nothing when we face the Rabbits in Round One on Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium. I look forward with great expectation to season 2010. A win in round one will put a smile on the dial, but what ultimately will count is the meeting of realistic and positive season growth and performance throughout the season.
Written By Scott Morrison
Six more sleeps to go until Roosters fans get a chance to forget 2009 and look forward to 2010. This scribe is not one to live in the past; however last year was a tough year on and off the field. One that should never be repeated!
A new coach should bring new ideas, a fresh way to look at things. By all reports, Brian Smith has an excellent record in establishing systems within clubs, that benefit’s the players in all grades. Smith has his detractors there is no doubt about that, he has not won a competition, which is a benchmark for an excellent coach, however he has coached at the highest level for many years and achieved excellent results with his previous Australian and UK teams. When Smith is interviewed he appears to have an astute football brain, and exudes passion required for his job. The media coverage of Smith and the Roosters has been very positive in the off season, especially after the Mason debacle was sorted out.
The recruitment of Todd Carney is massive, this kid was on the verge of playing for NSW and Australia before his troublesome times began, which resulted in him playing for the Roosters in North Queensland, ironic don’t you think. All signs through the pre-season indicate Carney could be our most important signing since Brad Fitler came to the club in 1996, his trial form has been outstanding. He looks fit, strong and most importantly he is a footballer with a football brain, which will assist in creating attacking options the Roosters lacked in 2009.
The other major signing for the club is Jared Warea-Hardgreaves, who has potential to become a real force in this competition. An early season shoulder injury has delayed his debut for the Roosters, however when this kid is on the field the entire team will lift. His performances in the end of season games for New Zealand were outstanding, he is tough, quick and has ball skills to add to these important attributes. He will be a welcome addition to a pack that needed some sting added to it.
The loss of experienced players is always hard to cover however the recruitment of Jason Ryles will assist in making up for the loss of our beloved bald headed Fitzy. Although Ryles has always played for the enemy, he has been respected from afar, he has represented at the highest level and will be a solid leader for our young pack.
Throw into the mix a rejuvenated Nate Myles, a fit and strong Tom Symonds, together with Mitchell Aubusson and Daniel Conn, we have some solid, fit, skilled and strong back rowers. Albeit the loss of Anthony Cherington for the season is tough to accept as this young bloke had a terrible 2009, he has plenty of potential however we may have to wait another 12 months to see it (dam shame).
Our bookends need to stand up and deliver this year. Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Lopini Paea need to join Jason Ryles in a three way wrecking machine that goes forward all year long. We have some good young forwards in the full time squad this year, Aiden Guerra has played well in the trials, Cheyse Blair has plenty of ability, Jason Baiteri looks promising as does Boyd Cordner who unfortunately joins Cherington on the bench for 2010 as a result of an early season injury.
Big things are expected of Mitchell Pearce in 2010. With 65 first grade games to his credit by the age of 20, it just goes to show how young he was when he first came into our squad. His combination with Carney is crucial this year. Pearce has pace, can kick the ball longer than most, and has a tough, uncompromising defensive style. His desire to win is written all over his face each week. A true competitor who can take the Roosters to the next level. Dally M winner in the making and a possible future Australian Captain in the years to come.
Our backline also offers plenty of questions, the recruitment of Phil Graham will be a positive for our Centre options, which appears to be where we lack a bit of strength. Sam Perrett was outstanding in 2009, one player who could hold his head high every week, however his best position is winger. Could our beloved Mini get back to the form that saw him win the Golden Boot award for the best player in the game? When Mini is on fire he is so hard to stop, let’s hope he remains injury free and plays every minute of every week.
Media reports suggest Braith is struggling with his ankle injury. It will be interesting to see where and how Braith is used. Smith’s decision to start Carney at fullback and Braith at five eighth holds logic. Does Braith fit the mould of a lock forward making 50 tackles a game? “I don’t think so”.
We have a plethora of young backs yet to make their mark, Ryan Williamson has plenty of ability, Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua has showed some nice form in trails; especially against Parramatta. The quick and fast Kane Linnett is also a fine prospect, as is Tuigamala who has now had a year to settle in. There is also the South African prospect JP Du Plessis and Liam Foran. However the jury remains out on whether any of these kids make the grade this year.
Our troublesome position appears to be the nine. James Aubusson was injured and disappointing last year, especially after some of the form he showed at the Storm previously. Let’s hope he starts 2010 in better form. The loss of Jake Friend is sad more than anything, this kid has plenty of ability and will be back for sure and certain at some stage for the Roosters, maybe not 2010. The surprise packet could be Ben Jones who was outstanding in the All Star game at dummy half and will make a perfect bench player who can cover the halves as well as hooker.
All in all a promising off season, with some necessary changes made and some excellent recruitment, which will mean nothing when we face the Rabbits in Round One on Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium. I look forward with great expectation to season 2010. A win in round one will put a smile on the dial, but what ultimately will count is the meeting of realistic and positive season growth and performance throughout the season.
Comment