The Sydney Roosters started off slowly in 2025 and looked in for a long year following a mass exodus in the summer.
However, Tret Robinson was able to bring his side together and they went on an impressive run in the second half of the year to emerge as a dark horse in the premiership race.
With Sam Walker fully recovered from his ACL injury that sidelined him for much of the 2025 season and Daly Cherry-Evans set to arrive in Bondi, the Chooks will be one of the teams to watch.
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Sydney Roosters predicted team list for Round 1
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sam Walker
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Connor Watson
14. Hugo Savala
15. Egan Butcher
16. Nat Butcher
17. Spencer Leniu
Roosters latest team news ahead of Round 1
James Tedesco will start at fullback as the champion attempts to back up a brilliant 2025 campaign, that resulted in his second Dally M Medal win, with more of the same.
Daniel Tupou keeps producing the goods on the wing and the veteran flyer will lace up the boots for a 15th campaign in Bondi.
Mark Nawaqanitawase will line up on the opposite flank after completing a stunning transition from rugby union. However, 2026 will be his last season in the NRL before he switches back to the 15-man code.
Billy Smith and Robert Toia will start in the centres, with the former enjoying the most injury-free and productive season of his NRL career so far.
Meanwhile, Toia enjoyed a dream campaign that included a State of Origin call-up for Queensland and then a representative debut for Tonga.
Junior Tupou could be the first cab off the rank in the backline, although he will face competition from Junior Pauga.
Hugo Savala established himself as Trent Robinson's first choice five-eighth ahead of the since departed Sandon Smith last season. However, the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans looms large over proceedings.
Sam Walker missed the majority of the year due to an ACL injury, but the halfback returned in style and will only improve after a full pre-season under his belt.
Jake Elliott and Toby Rodwell will be working hard behind the scenes to provide depth in the halves.
Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins could start up front, with Connor Watson taking over from Whyte in the No.13 jersey.
The Chooks made a big signing in Reece Robson, who was brought from North Queensland on a long-term deal. The New South Wales representative will take over from Watson at dummy-half.
Benaiah Ioelu will likely have to bide his time in reserve grade before earning a place in the 17, despite getting plenty of game time towards the end of 2025, with Savala likely to be battling him for a spot on the pine.
Angus Crichton will get the nod on one edge, although the other spot is up for grabs.
Siua Wong locked down the position last season, but will feel pressure from Egan Butcher as well as Nat Butcher, who had an injury-plagued 2025.
Salesi Foketi was a constant inclusion last season either in the backrow or on the bench and will be right at the front of the queue once again.
Blake Steep will also be in the mix for the forward rotation, along with towering duo De La Salle Va'a and Xavier Va'a.
Victor Radley became embroiled in scandal following the end of the season and was subsequently handed a monster ban from the Chooks, which will see him miss the first few months of the campaign.
Dom Young and Brandon Smith were granted early releases from their deals midway through last season, while Chad Townsend announced his retirement from the game.