Home Ground: Allianz Stadium

Coach: Trent Robinson

The Sydney Roosters' 2025 NRL season proved to be a remarkable achievement, surpassing initial expectations of a rebuilding phase. The team concluded the season in eighth place with a 13-11 record, securing a spot in the finals. This success was largely attributed to exceptional performances from emerging talents such as Rob Toia, who earned the Dally M Rookie of the Year award, and Naufahu Whyte, alongside a revitalised James Tedesco. Despite the loss of seasoned players and challenges with injuries and suspensions, the team faltered in Week 1 of the finals, following a difficult season marked by high error rates.

After a slow start (2 wins from 7), the team found form, including big wins against the Storm and Dolphins, showcasing high-risk, high-reward play, meaning they led the competition in unforced errors, hindering their progress. Nevertheless, the youngsters who Trent Robinson earmarked as the future of the club came good early - and the Roosters became a force. The likes of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Hugo Savala, Rob Toia, Blake Steep and Benaiah Ioelu all adapted to the step up in class, filling the gaps left by Test and Origin stars.

Once brilliant halfback Sam Walker returned from injury, the pieces were all in place and the Roosters won eight from 11 games to charge into the finals against the odds.

So when you add in one of the greatest halfbacks of the modern era in Daly Cherry-Evans, as well as incumbent NSW hooker Reece Robson, the team should only improve. There is quality all over the park at Bondi, from last year's Dally M Medal winner in the form of James Tedesco, to freakish winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and one of the game's rising stars Sam Walker pulling rabbits out of their hats on a weekly basis. This squad on paper is arguably the best in the NRL heading into 2026 and it's hard to see them not featuring deep into September along with the likes of the Broncos, Storm, Bulldogs and perhaps a dark horse like the Dolphins or Eels.

Expect Daly Evans to experience a rejuvenated season under new leadership and with a host of attacking stars around him. $500k a year for DCE if he delivers could be the signing of the century. Coach Robbo, has an outstanding roster to play with and is a master tactician - the wizard of Bondi will set the gameplan and aim to have his team deliver with a certain accuracy. He has everything he wants/needs and that should be enough to see this side at the top of the ladder come finals time with such a strong squad.

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 1ST