Rooster 2014 Analysis

I wrote this for season 2013 – Just like other clubs who had poor seasons in 2012 (and previously), it can be done in a year and this team has been set up for 2013 for three or more years now

Not only did they get it done they did it with such ease, most of the time. Manly made them dig dip on GF day. Not many other teams could make a team dig that deep last season. Will there be many others who can in 2014?

And I also wrote this - WHY THEY CAN WIN IT: Talent galore! And plenty in store for coming seasons too.

The “plenty in store for coming seasons” lies largely within the premiership squad from 2013. Minichiello, in his final year, is the only Roosters player older than Brett Stewart, born Feb 27 1985. Manly has 7 players older than Stewart – Ballin, Lawrence, Lyon, Matai, Glen Stewart, Watmough ranging though to Jason King born Mar 21 1981.

Minichiello is more than 5 years older than any regular member of the Roosters team.

Scary for opponents!

If this is the “Strongest Line-Up” according to Big League then I think we can expect another top season for the defending premiers.

1 Minichiello

2 Tuivasa-Sheck

3 Kenny-Dowall

4 Jennings

5 Tupou

6 Maloney

7 Pearce

8 Moa

9 Friend

10 Waerea-Hargreaves

11 Guerra

12 Williams

13 Cordner

14  Aubusson

15 Casty

16 Nuuausala

17 Napa

October Outcome:

The actual space between first and second was real and visible in 2013 even in the GF despite the most heroic of finals performances by the Eagles.

The difference between Roosters and third and the rest was greater than any other premiers for a very long time.

The potential for even greater dominance is real if attitudes and management is well handled again.

Back to Back Champions.

And maybe more to come!

Only losing Pearce AND Maloney or Friend with long term injury would cause concern.

That or SBW of course.

For a more in-depth analysis and who can make or break it click here.

A special thanks to NRLSTATS and BIG LEAGUE for their support and statistical data.