StephenP
ArnoldNRL Club Analysis for Season '08 - Sydney Roosters
March 13th 2008 13:26
Sydney Roosters
Attack – 8/10
Defence – 8/10
My prediction – 7th
Defence – 8/10
My prediction – 7th
Everything is pointing to a stellar season for the Sydney Roosters in the games Centenary season, with the tri-colours set to unleash one of their strongest line-ups in recent seasons. Roosters coach Brad Fittler heads into his second year of coaching with a dream playing roster at his disposal, with fullback Anthony Minichiello returning after a lengthy injury layoff coupled with the acquisition of representative forwards, O’Meley and Mason.
The Roosters have a host of talent right across the park, and if the halves pairing of Anasta and Pearce can fire, then expect to see Roberts, Perrett and Soliola crossing for plenty of tries. If the Roosters can remain relatively injury free, then a top eight position beckons.
Strengths-
After an injury plagued ’07, coach Fittler finally has a full compliment of fit and healthy players to choose from. The Roosters pack is full of intimidation and skill, with Fitzgibbon, O’Meley, Nutley and Myles providing the grunt, and Mason, Tupou and Setaimata Sa providing the flair. With speed to burn in the outside backs, the Roosters of ’08 look to be the real deal.
Weaknesses-
Coach Fittler’s biggest hurdle in his second season will be attempting to get a team full of champions to play as a champion team. The Roosters have always boasted a wealth of talented individuals, but for some reason, have never quite lived up to expectation. Fittler will find himself under immense pressure if his star studded team fails to fire, and probably his toughest challenge will be to keep the various egos in the team in check.
Best Team-
1- Anthony Minichiello
2- Amos Roberts
3- Mitchell Aubusson
4- Iosia Soliola
5- Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6- Braith Anasta
7- Mitchell Pearce
8- Mark O’Meley
9- James Aubusson
10- David Shillington
11- Willie Mason
12- Craig Fitzgibbon
13- Anthony Tupou
14- Danny Nutley
15- Nate Myles
16- Setaimata Sa
17– Lopini Paea
2008 Gains and Losses –
Gains –
Mark O’Meley and Willie Mason (Canterbury), James Aubusson (Melbourne), Riley Brown (Newcastle), Brent Grose (Warrington)
Losses –
Craig Wing (South Sydney), Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast), Joel Monaghan (Canberra), Heath L’Estrange (Manly), Danny Williams (Canterbury), John Williams (North QLD)
*Please join me tomorrow for my Analysis of the Wests Tigers 2008 season.
Cheers,
StephenP
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