As we head into Round 8 of the 2016 NRL season, defending minor premiers the Sydney Roosters find themselves alone at the foot of the ladder.
It represents a massively unexpected change in fortune for Trent Robinson’s team who have won the last three minor premierships as well as taking out the major silverware in 2013.
In their first seven games, the Roosters have looked the most vulnerable side in the competition. The Eastern Suburbs-based foundation club have taken home maximum points just once this season, care of a Round 6 upset victory over fierce rivals South Sydney.
However, for all of their lack of form, the boys from Bondi find themselves just two wins outside a spot in the eight.
That being said, it would be unwise for anyone to write off a side who boasts the experience of the Roosters, despite a number of unfavourable decisions in the offseason. Easts are now without premiership stars and fan favourites Michael Jennings and James Maloney.
Add to that the off-field controversies that saw Mitchell Pearce sidelined as well as untimely injuries to perhaps their two best forwards in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner, and we obviously see a weakened side take to the field in the opening few rounds of the 2016 campaign.
The Roosters’ form has been absolutely rubbish, there’s no denying that. However, an examination of the areas in which they have specifically struggled suggests that the returns of their sidelined stars could see them firing on all cylinders again in the not too distant future.
Heading into the season with a halves pairing both born in 1996 was always going to be a headache for coach Trent Robinson. The inexperience and lack of creativity yielded by youngsters Jackson Hastings and Jayden Nikorima has seen the Roosters fail to pile on the points when needed.
It is worth recognising however that the return of former co-captain Mitchell Pearce in Round 9 has the ability to completely transform the roles of both young halves as well as the attacking structure of the entire team.
Pearce’s experience and creativity could see a re-ignition of their freescoring ways from years gone by, especially as Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Blake Ferguson, Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell lurk dangerously in the back line.
Mitchell has been a big find for the Chooks already in 2016, with the 18-year-old fullback prodigy already crossing the line for three tries in his opening seven matches. He will only get better as the season goes on.
The Roosters’ issues haven’t sat wholly within with their offence however, their defence has leaked the second most points of any side in 2016. Only the 15th placed Knights have shelled more points than the 187 let in by the Roosters.
Having said that, the issue lies within a defencive unit who are used to relying upon the rock solid contributions of the likes of Mitchell Pearce, who is regarded as one of the finest defencive halfbacks in the NRL, as well as big men Waerea-Hargreaves and Cordner.
All three stand to return to action within the next three weeks and could have a massive impact in both attack and defence for the current wooden spooners.
Trent Robinson has been one of the most successful coaches in the entirety of the NRL since joining the Eastern Suburbs side in 2013. He will be aware of the need to resist panic and continue working with his side towards getting back into the upper echelon of the NRL ladder.
The returns of representative trio Pearce, Waerea-Hargreaves and Cordner will play a big role in the Roosters’ search for a restoration of past glories in 2016. It isn’t all that difficult to bridge a two game gap, and the Roosters boast a side more than capable of doing it.
Write them off at your own peril.
Griffo
Guest
I wouldn't worry about the for and against. If they win 11 out of 17 their for and against will greatly improve
Vortex
Guest
Roosters will struggle to stay out of bottom 4. Pearce won't make much a difference, his match fitness won't be there for a few weeks. I think they reaped what they sowed letting Maloney, Jennings & RTS go. They are noticeably a different side, they look impotent in attack. JWH and Cordner won't help if there is little speed outside and no experienced halves.
Muzz
Guest
They're good to go mate! The team list is just a cut and paste on last nights line up. Means nothing Liu is also named however is likely to miss 1 game for his crusher tackle.
Scott Pryde
Expert
You seen the teams? Sorely disappointed you must be Muzz! No Cordner, no JWH and I hate to say it but this could be one of the worst ANZAC Day games I have ever seen. Still, I think it'll be close and the Dragons should get up.
Squirrel
Guest
Agree Muzz the roosters will definitely make the 8. Their form is
Muzz
Guest
We will make the 8. The author is wrong about the Roosters form. We've been close in 4 of those games with 3 kids/or a forward in key spine positions and 2 of our best forwards missing. Our form forward SST was also absent vs the Panthers and we got within a converted try of a win.. We also blooded another rookie last night from the 20's. Cordner and JWH will return this round and the team is improving every week. We will demolish the Merge on ANZAC Day.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Same could be said about my mob.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I see where you might be coming from with this article Jake, Well I tried too. The Roosters now have just one win from seven games. SO before we even focus on what they may or may not be doing on the field to even contribute to their position on the ladder, it is worth noting this. A team requires, generally speaking minimum 12 wins to make the finals. That being, 28 competition points with 12 wins and two byes. Now, that means with only 17 games left in their season the Roosters already find themselves in a position where they have to win 11 of their remaining games. I would also like to point out they have away games in New Zealand, Brisbane and Melbourne before the season is out. Even if they win one of those, and they may well do that it leaves them needing 10 wins from 15 games. Now, in this NRL competition, where most teams are pretty evenly matches that is almost bordering on impossible unless you are in the top teams of the league, and get a fair bit of luck going your way with injuries and the like. Even though they only have those road trips out of New South Wales, it's not what you call an easy run home for them - Broncos, Sharks, Eels, Cowboys. The list goes on. I am prepared to write them off on facts alone. Add what they are doing on the field though and the fact we are even talking about this is strange. Let's look at the lord saviour of nothing - Mitchell Pearce. The man is.... well he is rubbish. I'm not even talking about Origin here, but a stat I have long talked about to my mates and anyone who cares to listen really is that he can't lead a team. In 2009, the Roosters finished Wooden Spoon with Pearce at the head of affairs. Next season, along comes Todd Carney and they make it to the grand final. Carney leaves and it is back into oblivion. Along comes James Maloney to steady the ship and look where they end up. Three minor premierships in a row with a premiership. In short, with Hastings or Nikorima as the halves partner the Roosters aren't going to get much out of Pearce. There is no denying the quality and talent of JWH, and he will give a lift when he gets back. No doubt about it, he might even win a few games for the Roosters. Boyd Cordner though, is simply overrated. He doesn't look like the short of player that is going to inspire the confidence to turn a season around. I rate the Roosters no chance of the top eight, and a slim one of avoiding the bottom 4.
pete bloor
Guest
Hastings has more run metres, behind a beaten pack, than guys like Ben Hunt and Shaun Johnson but hey he doesn't run to the line. Hastings has his flaws but your "analysis" is so erroneous worked on it to miss the point of easts problems by such a staggering margin. I think the fate of phil was decided when he was dropped on his head at birth
Red Dog
Guest
RTS was mistake prone , and I thought they relied on him too much , Mitchell will outshine him by the end of the year .
pete bloor
Guest
As in right now because RTS is injured? No way Mitchell is anywhere near a top level fullback yet let alone the best kick returner in the game. He's great when he's there but he's still young which is code for lazy and self indulgent (not being harsh we all were at one point). His decision making is also horrible but he is a chance to get there.
Vortex
Guest
I've only got them winning 5 or 6 of their next 17, and that's being kind. They still have the Broncos (twice), Bulldogs (twice), Storm (twice), Cowboys, Eels & Sharks (twice). The only teams I can see them worrying are the Titans, Tigers, Dragons and maybe the Warriors, depending on which Warriors' team turns up. It's possible to make the 8 from where they are, but it's a mountain.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Can I please use that minimalist modern art line? That was a cracker. I'll pay you 10 cents every time I use it.
phil
Guest
Yes, the fate of easts was determined in the off season, firstly signing not one but two of waynes bennets "cast offs", not securing Maloney,the leading pointscorer, who some bright spark within the recruitment ranks decided he was too old to warrent a three year contract, Who ever made the decision to let jennings go at such a late stage sould be made accountable, If robinson had antthing to do with this mindless decision i would suggest his time at east is very limited, The half back and captains behaviour did east no favours, and on the matter of half and five eight ,clueles combination, Hasting too slow and wont run to the defence ,but instead passes slow passes,THe five eight quite simply can play at first grade level, pitiful kick against Panthers, He left the field early a young replacemen t came on and almost straighaway almost scored, ,the Ex bronco player returned to the game and his replacement not seen again during the game, Coach Robinson and his many assistants must surely realise this bloke needs to be either cut loose or back to park football Nick has a well known statement"Losing is no good for busines", and may i add no god for the fans
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Nah, Mitchell spends half the game too gassed to get involved -- he's got a ton of potential but for now he's short of the running stamina he needs to be anywhere near as good as any class fullback.
Albo
Guest
And included in those 17 matches, 11 are drawn to play the Bulldogs twice, the Broncos twice, the Sharks twice, Melbourne twice, along with other games against other well performing Cowboys, Panthers & Eels. And they will even be lucky to win the majority of their other 6 games in their draw ( Dragons twice, Warriors ( in NZ), Knights , Titans & Tigers). Good luck pulling off 11 wins from 17 with that draw & their current cattle roster.
Tom Rock
Expert
Gun front rower Snowden.....probably the first time that sentence has ever been written, including in Kade's secret diary.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
If they can't lift for Anzac Day then they're done for th year
Jacksyd
Guest
The roosters were aiming for 3 minor premierships and 3 chokes in a row. Looks like they'll have to settle for wooden which is an achievement in its own after the past 2 years.
Red Dog
Guest
Roosters have a better fullback now anyway .