The pressure...........

[ism22]

I would’ve rather lost to them both times and be in the top 4 like they are.

They're 4 wins ahead of us. While this season's been a complete bust I feel as though basically:

- Penrith, Broncos and Storm are the 3 teams to beat. The rest have been random (including the Warriors losing to us twice, which given our form is a terrible blemish on their record).

- Our standing has been heavily impacted by stupid, avoidable losses to the Dragons, Manly, Dolphins, Sharks and Faders. Further... we've played 3 of the top-4 twice though we've only played the Tigers, Doggies and Titans once.

- Klein's reffed just about every one of our games this year (whether as ref or as the bunker dude). Not saying he's corrupt or biased, but I think he's a very 'assertive/prescriptive' official, which tends to cramp our style.

- Our form's the major factor in all this and I don't wanna make it about all the other stuff. However I think using the Warriors, Knights, Cowboys, Souffs and Sharks as a yardstick...on form we're probably pretty close to the top-4 right now. Not saying that means we're playing great. I just think that it's one of those seasons where the draw and a few teams having good/bad luck in some of the closer games has made a difference.

- The above extends to our pathetic PD by the way. Again... a lot of it comes down to the fact our attack was so shyte early on (and we wouldn't have been guaranteed cricket scores let alone wins against the Doggies, Tigpies and Titans if we played them twice). BUT! Easts and the Faders are outliers in terms of PD. Haven't done the analysis but IMO PD can depend heavily on who you play. More games against stronger teams minimises your chance of having a comparatively good PD.

[The distributor]

I wonder how many injuries, suspensions, out there player purchases and weird positional changes we will see next year?

[Vasco]

Is solely on Robinson on Friday night. Another season of insipid coaching sees us dangling on the edge of the gap, one slip and we're gone. The guru has learnt nothing from last year and alas we've seen a repeat but even worse. We should be firmly ensconced in the top 5 but with Robinson's arrogant belief that he can flick a switch and have us firing like Stephenson's rocket at any time he chooses, we find ourselves on the precipice of another what could've been year. I have no idea who wins on Friday, but if we do, I believe we could make it to a preliminary which would be bizarre. One good thing about next year is we'll finally have some serious pace in the backline. For the crybabies on this forum, I'll tip Easts by 1 point on Friday night.

I think so too.

The Sharks wouldn't worry us, only that it would be played at Shark Park. And the following week could be up against someone like the Warriors who we've beaten twice already this season.

[Rooster_6]

where most people see a fat streaker and chuckle, you see temptation and have impure thoughts....I'm sorry my profile picture causes you to stumble, but be strong.

Didn’t you find gayness in someone bring up old quotes?

Sure there’s not something you want to tell us Goldenshowerboy?

[Vasco]

How is the pressure solely on Robinson? What about Big Ears at Souffs, he's copping it from everyone and reports are that if he doesn't make the 8 then he has next year to turn it around or he's gone.

Many would argue that Robbo should be on the same deal.

[Vasco]

Anyway, let's just fire up and beat the scum from Redfern!!!

[Eggspert]

This isn’t a forum of Roosters employees, it’ a weird correlation you’re trying to draw.

If someone says hey I think we should drop or sack Luke Keary the rational follow up question is who would you replace him with.

Just like if someone says we should sack the coach the rational follow up question is who would you replace him with.

Point being,

The average person would have no idea, or the connections, resources..etc.. to know who is available or approachable to be the coach.

Thats what club management would do.

So it's pointless to ask "But Who"

50 names could be rattled off on this forum & could be way off the mark. Playing positions are easier to talk about due to the big playing ranks.

Once again if the person next to you was sacked what's the point asking "But Who" will replace them.

The decision would have already been made & obviously someone who they think will be better.

[Rooster_6]

Point being,

The average person would have no idea, or the connections, resources..etc.. to know who is available or approachable to be the coach.

Thats what club management would do.

So it's pointless to ask "But Who"

50 names could be rattled off on this forum & could be way off the mark. Playing positions are easier to talk about due to the big playing ranks.

Once again if the person next to you was sacked what's the point asking "But Who" will replace them.

The decision would have already been made & obviously someone who they think will be better.

You could attach this line of thinking to every single hypothetical discussion on here..

- Potential signings
- Potential re-signings
- Potential player selections
- Potential tactical decisions
- Potential rule changes
etc. etc. the list goes on.

We all live in the hypothetical on here.

If we can’t discuss opinions on topics we don’t have the full information on then that would leave very little to talk about…

[Headless Chook]

Many would argue that Robbo should be on the same deal.

Many would argue that he shouldn't be too

[Eggspert]

You could attach this line of thinking to every single hypothetical discussion on here..

- Potential signings
- Potential re-signings
- Potential player selections
- Potential tactical decisions
- Potential rule changes
etc. etc. the list goes on.

We all live in the hypothetical on here.

If we can’t discuss opinions on topics we don’t have the full information on then that would leave very little to talk about…

Ok I'll play along.

"But Who".... lets see.

-Someone who could have them firing from Rd 1

-Someone who leaves players in their proper spots & doesn't weaken the team.

-Someone who can fix us as being undisciplined & the most penalised.

-Someone who could improve that 4-20 record against the top 4-5 teams.

-Someone who wouldn't have us struggling to make the top 8.

No can't think of anyone who could do better. So better stay with being mediocre.

I'd take anyone apart from Robbo if it's more of the same next year.

[King Salvo]

People haven't lost touch with reality at all when there are mitigating factors for the season.

Mitigating Factors such as

Injuries

Yes, all teams have them, but the Roosters have had more players who have missed five or more games in blocks than any other team.

As I have said before, by round 21, the Roosters possible best 17 had missed more than three times the number of games than, for example, the top 3 sides in Penrith, Brisbane, and the Warriors had. - have to look at other teams, as the Sharks would be in that group as they had only used 22 players at that stage.

Not once did these 17 play one game as a combination

It does test your squad and many would argue that the squad depth was way over stretched as a result.

You need your best 17 or so to play the bulk of the season, with other squad members filling in for games from time to time throughout the season.

I assume they will look at injuries and whether or not something can be rectified in this area, but injuries are part and parcel of the game and even in preparing for games.


Best squad

It certainly wasn't the best squad, and in any case, if a host of players are unavailable for extended periods, not withstanding the form issues, how could you still be considered to have the best squad?

Whether or not changes will be made is unknown - They have 25 players under contract for 2024 so far, noting that the Roosters have only 27 or 28 players on Top 30 contracts, so there are 2 or 3 spots left to fill, and money is tight as well.

The following was the Roosters squad that started the 2023 season - Noting that for game 1 - 7 players were unavailable for selection - Momirovski . Crichton . Sitili , Billy Smith , Watson , Toia and Manu

Top 30 Squad 2023 - 28 out of 30 spots filled

1. Tedesco - 19 games
2. Toops - 18 games
3. Billy Smith - 13 games
4. Momirivski - 2 games
5. Allan - 10 games
6. Toia - 0 games
7. Paulo - 11 games
8. Manu - 20 games
9. Suaalii - 19 games
10. Keary - 23 games
11. Walker - 7 games
12. Collins - 22 games
13. JWH - 18 games
14. Lodge - 8 games - Released to Manly
15. May - 14 games
16. Hau-Tapuha - 0 games - Released to the Sharks
17. Baker - 12 games
18. Brandon Smith - 18 games
19. Turpin - 15 games
20. Crichton - 10 games
21. N Butcher - 21 games
22. E Butcher - 18 games
23. Sitili - 8 games
24. Radley - 18 games
25. Whyte - 8 games
26. Hutchinator - 17 games
27. Wong - 7 games
28. Watson - 0 games

Squad Additions /Development/Extended Bench Contract players

1. Sandon Smith - 12 games
2. Brown - 10 games
3. Thomas - 1 game
4. Pauga - 6
5. Napa - 2

Form

Form is fleeting as they say.

Was it Coach Robinson's fault that a raft of players were not in great form?

There is no magic wand or solution to getting sporting folk back in form; if someone had a solution for this, they would be the most sought-after person on the planet, and I dare say the richest.

All the training, preparation, video reviews, and whatnot can only achieve so much, time permitting.

You're not talking about first-season NRL players, though, whose form may dip at some stage due to the week-in, week-out grind that is the NRL.

A lot of these players who were not performing at the level they are capable of are seasoned NRL players who have won competitions and played at the highest level of the game.

They should know what areas they are falling short in and, without any assistance, be able to address them because of the experience they have gained over the years.

The onus is ultimately on the player to maintain their own form when they cross the white stripe.. The same as it is for the errors they make or ill-discipline.

It's impossible under the salary cap to have two first-grade sides, so you need fast-tracked development, minimal injuries, and competition for spots in the 17 each week.

In 2024, for instance, the competition for spots in the backrow and back 5 will be very competitive, with hopefully minimal injuries, which hasn't been the case for some time.

• Backrow - Sitili , Crichton , E and N Butcher , Wong , Whyte ( if deemed a back rower)
• Back 5 - Tedesco , Toops , Suaalii , Billy Smith , Manu , Momirovski , Young , Murphy , Toia

I am backing Coach Robinson as the Coach to get the Roosters back to the top.

[Eggspert]

be honest you want someone who aligns with your political beliefs

Yawn...wrong again.

I couldn't care if Robbo climbed a mountain in his rainbow jersey & got to the top & screamed out in French "" Dooonnt boooo Latrell"

He is entitled to his beliefs & good on him.

Results at the Roosters matter more to me.

Otherwise he can start his own podcast & you can join up & be his #1 fan.

[Eggspert]

People haven't lost touch with reality at all when there are mitigating factors for the season.

Mitigating Factors such as

Injuries

Yes, all teams have them, but the Roosters have had more players who have missed five or more games in blocks than any other team.

As I have said before, by round 21, the Roosters possible best 17 had missed more than three times the number of games than, for example, the top 3 sides in Penrith, Brisbane, and the Warriors had. - have to look at other teams, as the Sharks would be in that group as they had only used 22 players at that stage.

Not once did these 17 play one game as a combination

It does test your squad and many would argue that the squad depth was way over stretched as a result.

You need your best 17 or so to play the bulk of the season, with other squad members filling in for games from time to time throughout the season.

I assume they will look at injuries and whether or not something can be rectified in this area, but injuries are part and parcel of the game and even in preparing for games.


Best squad

It certainly wasn't the best squad, and in any case, if a host of players are unavailable for extended periods, not withstanding the form issues, how could you still be considered to have the best squad?

Whether or not changes will be made is unknown - They have 25 players under contract for 2024 so far, noting that the Roosters have only 27 or 28 players on Top 30 contracts, so there are 2 or 3 spots left to fill, and money is tight as well.

The following was the Roosters squad that started the 2023 season - Noting that for game 1 - 7 players were unavailable for selection - Momirovski . Crichton . Sitili , Billy Smith , Watson , Toia and Manu

Top 30 Squad 2023 - 28 out of 30 spots filled

1. Tedesco - 19 games
2. Toops - 18 games
3. Billy Smith - 13 games
4. Momirivski - 2 games
5. Allan - 10 games
6. Toia - 0 games
7. Paulo - 11 games
8. Manu - 20 games
9. Suaalii - 19 games
10. Keary - 23 games
11. Walker - 7 games
12. Collins - 22 games
13. JWH - 18 games
14. Lodge - 8 games - Released to Manly
15. May - 14 games
16. Hau-Tapuha - 0 games - Released to the Sharks
17. Baker - 12 games
18. Brandon Smith - 18 games
19. Turpin - 15 games
20. Crichton - 10 games
21. N Butcher - 21 games
22. E Butcher - 18 games
23. Sitili - 8 games
24. Radley - 18 games
25. Whyte - 8 games
26. Hutchinator - 17 games
27. Wong - 7 games
28. Watson - 0 games

Squad Additions /Development/Extended Bench Contract players

1. Sandon Smith - 12 games
2. Brown - 10 games
3. Thomas - 1 game
4. Pauga - 6
5. Napa - 2

Form

Form is fleeting as they say.

Was it Coach Robinson's fault that a raft of players were not in great form?

There is no magic wand or solution to getting sporting folk back in form; if someone had a solution for this, they would be the most sought-after person on the planet, and I dare say the richest.

All the training, preparation, video reviews, and whatnot can only achieve so much, time permitting.

You're not talking about first-season NRL players, though, whose form may dip at some stage due to the week-in, week-out grind that is the NRL.

A lot of these players who were not performing at the level they are capable of are seasoned NRL players who have won competitions and played at the highest level of the game.

They should know what areas they are falling short in and, without any assistance, be able to address them because of the experience they have gained over the years.

The onus is ultimately on the player to maintain their own form when they cross the white stripe.. The same as it is for the errors they make or ill-discipline.

It's impossible under the salary cap to have two first-grade sides, so you need fast-tracked development, minimal injuries, and competition for spots in the 17 each week.

In 2024, for instance, the competition for spots in the backrow and back 5 will be very competitive, with hopefully minimal injuries, which hasn't been the case for some time.

• Backrow - Sitili , Crichton , E and N Butcher , Wong , Whyte ( if deemed a back rower)
• Back 5 - Tedesco , Toops , Suaalii , Billy Smith , Manu , Momirovski , Young , Murphy , Toia

I am backing Coach Robinson as the Coach to get the Roosters back to the top.

What have you seen the last 2yrs to have that confidence in him?

You love giving Sammy Walker a harder time than the actual bloke in charge.

[Rooster_6]

Ok I'll play along.

"But Who".... lets see.

-Someone who could have them firing from Rd 1

-Someone who leaves players in their proper spots & doesn't weaken the team.

-Someone who can fix us as being undisciplined & the most penalised.

-Someone who could improve that 4-20 record against the top 4-5 teams.

-Someone who wouldn't have us struggling to make the top 8.

No can't think of anyone who could do better. So better stay with being mediocre.

I'd take anyone apart from Robbo if it's more of the same next year.

You’ve missed the point entirely.

[Chook2]

Injuries are something you can’t help but
form you can to a degree if you have a team in sync and players in their right position to start
we have not learnt from last year and basically same position as last year fighting to get 8th
You can and should improve posession, penalaties, ball control etc so why are we so bad at these each year

our attack was non existent for most of the year
walker dropping - robbo should give himself an upper cut for it
he left suaali and Manu in wrong positions for months which reduced Their form and also weakened the position they were in

we were fav by the bookies at start of the year again and may miss the 8 so it’s another failed year

2020 and 21 injuries crueled us but the last two years we have gone backwards until out last minute run

we do have competition for spots next year and players off contract so expect form to come
and maybe some big signing for 2025 with jwh, Keary and tupou maybe retiring
potentially Gus and suaali gone if still here