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New faces: Justin Carney (Canberra Raiders), Anthony Watts (North Queensland Cowboys), Lama Tasi (Manly), Mark Riddell (Wigan Warriors - Super League).
Out the door: Lopini Paea (Catalans Dragons - Super League), Nick Kouparitsas (Harlequins - Super League), Ben Jones (North Queensland Cowboys), Brad Murray (Parramatta), Jacob Miller (Wests Tigers).
Last year: The Roosters fell one win short of a fairytale story which would have seen them go from wooden spooners in 2009 to premiers. After an inconsistent start to the campaign it became the Todd Carney road show as he dazzled the competition alongside Mitchell Pearce on the way to the Dally M Medal. There was little that Brian Smith's side were not capable of; with their golden-point semi-final 19-15 win over Wests Tigers - thanks to Braith Anasta's snap field goal and Shaun Kenny-Dowell's winning intercept - proving to be one of the matches of the year.
Room for improvement: Consistency. After winning their first two matches in 2010, Smith's side didn't win back-to-back again until their season-turning run of wins from round 17 to 21 that propelled them into sixth spot. With such a formidable roster this year, a consistent campaign over 26 rounds will see them strong favourites for a top-four berth. The Roosters had the knack of conjuring the remarkable in 2010 (averaging 23 points per game - third best in the NRL). They boast a nice mix of power and pace throughout their line-up, so if they can balance the simple with the spectacular Brian Smith's outfit will be formidable.
Game breaker: Todd Carney. If he fires, the Roosters will be hard to beat. His kicking game and decision making were majestic by the end of last season, but he comes into 2011 burdened by the pressure of off-field trouble. If he can put that behind him, he holds the key to the Roosters' season and could earn himself representative honours.
Rising star: Tom Symonds has been around for a few seasons now, but was limited to just eight appearances in 2010. There are big wraps on this 21-year-old Bondi United local junior who could form part of a damaging young crop of forwards alongside Boyd Cordner, Joseph Leilua and the Roosters' 2010 regulars. Anthony Cherrington would have added to that list if not for another heart-breaking season-ending injury.
Key arrival: Justin Carney's arrival from Canberra completes the Roosters backline. The nuggetty former Raiders winger must be a nightmare to tackle; at 178cm and 100kg, his power complements the work rate of Sam Perrett on the other flank. Throw in a rejuvenated Anthony Minichiello, a confident Shaun Kenny-Dowall and the pace of Phil Graham into the mix, and it's a nice combination.
Coach factor: With all the talk of the coaching merry-go-round in the pre-season press, it's ironic that Sydney Roosters' much-maligned coach has one of the safest seats in the land, after bringing his track record of re-building clubs with him to Bondi Junction. He was a cool and calm figure as he enjoyed the ride to last year's grand final. The question now is: can he finally finish the job? And will his personal quest for a maiden premiership weigh on the side's title ambitions?
Fox Sports Stats: With Sydney Roosters looking to go one further in 2011, much of their success will depend on how close centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall can replicate his form from last season. Kenny-Dowall had a phenomenal year; he ranked equal first in tries (21), made the second most line-breaks (27) and was third for tackle busts (151).
Laurie Daley says: "They showed us what they were capable of in 2010 and as long as they continue to work hard I think there is still a lot of improvement left in their football team. Their key positions are very settled - Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce are still so young; they have a lot of strikepower and a hard-working forward pack. Brian Smith sides are always coached very well and are very tough to defeat. There's been no great changes in the playing roster, though Mark Riddell will be a strong addition. With lots of competition for spots, and the same mentality as last year, the Roosters will be thereabouts."
The Adjudicator says: "With the pig-skin season upon us, this old romantic thought he would treat Mrs A. to a bit of old-fashioned Sunday morning brekky at Bondi before winter hibernation arrives. But seats were at a premium as those latte-loving Roosters lapped up the good life. Get back to work, fellas! If Smithy’s going to get that monkey that looks awfully like a Bronco, Knight and Dragon off his back, it’s not going to be just by ordering skim milk! Fairytale runs to the grand final mean nothing the year after in modern footy, but Smithy runs a tight ship down at Moore Park and you get the sense those fickle Roosters fans will have more to cheer in 2011."
Fantasy banker/darkhorse: Todd Carney is Mr Popular with foxsports.com.au Fantasy NRL users so far, but Shaun Kenny-Dowall ($320K) is certain to be among the leading scorers again in 2011. However, if you're really looking to skimp, Boyd Cordner ($80K) is a giant 18-year-old forward with big wraps. A more conservative bargain is tireless hooker Jake Friend who at ($200K) will get you tackles, assists and the odd try.
Out the door: Lopini Paea (Catalans Dragons - Super League), Nick Kouparitsas (Harlequins - Super League), Ben Jones (North Queensland Cowboys), Brad Murray (Parramatta), Jacob Miller (Wests Tigers).
Last year: The Roosters fell one win short of a fairytale story which would have seen them go from wooden spooners in 2009 to premiers. After an inconsistent start to the campaign it became the Todd Carney road show as he dazzled the competition alongside Mitchell Pearce on the way to the Dally M Medal. There was little that Brian Smith's side were not capable of; with their golden-point semi-final 19-15 win over Wests Tigers - thanks to Braith Anasta's snap field goal and Shaun Kenny-Dowell's winning intercept - proving to be one of the matches of the year.
Room for improvement: Consistency. After winning their first two matches in 2010, Smith's side didn't win back-to-back again until their season-turning run of wins from round 17 to 21 that propelled them into sixth spot. With such a formidable roster this year, a consistent campaign over 26 rounds will see them strong favourites for a top-four berth. The Roosters had the knack of conjuring the remarkable in 2010 (averaging 23 points per game - third best in the NRL). They boast a nice mix of power and pace throughout their line-up, so if they can balance the simple with the spectacular Brian Smith's outfit will be formidable.
Game breaker: Todd Carney. If he fires, the Roosters will be hard to beat. His kicking game and decision making were majestic by the end of last season, but he comes into 2011 burdened by the pressure of off-field trouble. If he can put that behind him, he holds the key to the Roosters' season and could earn himself representative honours.
Rising star: Tom Symonds has been around for a few seasons now, but was limited to just eight appearances in 2010. There are big wraps on this 21-year-old Bondi United local junior who could form part of a damaging young crop of forwards alongside Boyd Cordner, Joseph Leilua and the Roosters' 2010 regulars. Anthony Cherrington would have added to that list if not for another heart-breaking season-ending injury.
Key arrival: Justin Carney's arrival from Canberra completes the Roosters backline. The nuggetty former Raiders winger must be a nightmare to tackle; at 178cm and 100kg, his power complements the work rate of Sam Perrett on the other flank. Throw in a rejuvenated Anthony Minichiello, a confident Shaun Kenny-Dowall and the pace of Phil Graham into the mix, and it's a nice combination.
Coach factor: With all the talk of the coaching merry-go-round in the pre-season press, it's ironic that Sydney Roosters' much-maligned coach has one of the safest seats in the land, after bringing his track record of re-building clubs with him to Bondi Junction. He was a cool and calm figure as he enjoyed the ride to last year's grand final. The question now is: can he finally finish the job? And will his personal quest for a maiden premiership weigh on the side's title ambitions?
Fox Sports Stats: With Sydney Roosters looking to go one further in 2011, much of their success will depend on how close centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall can replicate his form from last season. Kenny-Dowall had a phenomenal year; he ranked equal first in tries (21), made the second most line-breaks (27) and was third for tackle busts (151).
Laurie Daley says: "They showed us what they were capable of in 2010 and as long as they continue to work hard I think there is still a lot of improvement left in their football team. Their key positions are very settled - Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce are still so young; they have a lot of strikepower and a hard-working forward pack. Brian Smith sides are always coached very well and are very tough to defeat. There's been no great changes in the playing roster, though Mark Riddell will be a strong addition. With lots of competition for spots, and the same mentality as last year, the Roosters will be thereabouts."
The Adjudicator says: "With the pig-skin season upon us, this old romantic thought he would treat Mrs A. to a bit of old-fashioned Sunday morning brekky at Bondi before winter hibernation arrives. But seats were at a premium as those latte-loving Roosters lapped up the good life. Get back to work, fellas! If Smithy’s going to get that monkey that looks awfully like a Bronco, Knight and Dragon off his back, it’s not going to be just by ordering skim milk! Fairytale runs to the grand final mean nothing the year after in modern footy, but Smithy runs a tight ship down at Moore Park and you get the sense those fickle Roosters fans will have more to cheer in 2011."
Fantasy banker/darkhorse: Todd Carney is Mr Popular with foxsports.com.au Fantasy NRL users so far, but Shaun Kenny-Dowall ($320K) is certain to be among the leading scorers again in 2011. However, if you're really looking to skimp, Boyd Cordner ($80K) is a giant 18-year-old forward with big wraps. A more conservative bargain is tireless hooker Jake Friend who at ($200K) will get you tackles, assists and the odd try.
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