Tweet
What a year it has been. From the day coach Trent Robinson was appointed, everyone involved with the Roosters could sense something special was on the horizon. But no one could sense it would be so quick, and on such a large scale.
Barring a bit of Todd Carney brilliance back in 2010, the Roosters have only made the finals once since the great Brad Fittler retired in 2004. This of course was in 2008, when we were led by 'Freddy' as coach, alas we were knocked out in straight sets.
Uncle Nick Politis has sought to bring the Roosters back to the glory days, signing and sacking a number of coaches, as well as players. Who could forget the Bulldogs blitz of 2008 where we signed Mason, O'Meley and Myles, to accompany Braith Anasta in our line up, then to be joined the by chookpen cult hero, Nick Kouparitsas.
But 2013 was something else. Round 1 was a blight on our year. We were simply not ready. But we improved. After a shaky start, we strung 3 wins together before being mowed down in the second half against Canberra in round 5. The players were surely looking ahead to SBW's return against the Bulldogs.
A string of 5 wins was ended by the Melbourne Storm, who demonstrated the class needed to win the big games. I', sure the team learnt from this. It was only a few weeks later we lost to the Warriors in round 14, but we then went on an 8 game winning streak to rocket to the top of the ladder, and put ourselves in a golden position for the finals.
In what was the 'low point' of the season, we lost consecutive games against the Sharks and the Titans in rounds 24 and 25 respectively. However any doubts were erased as we eased past South Sydney to claim the minor premiership in round 26, and begin our finals campaign from the top rung.
A hard fought battle against Manly led to a win and a deserved week off, before a strong win against the Knights took us to the big dance where we didn't meet pre-season premiers, the Rabbitohs, but Manly again, arguably one of the more enduring teams of the last decade.
But the Roosters were victorious, and what a special night it was. The players were ready, the coach was ready, and although we were nervous, we stuck to our game plan and prevailed, finally reaching the dreaded number 13 premiership.
Minichiello - 8 - The captain stood up when he needed too. I was a sceptic. I honestly thought he was past it, and he still might be, but he showed enough class and commitment to overcome a slow start to the year to become a shining beacon from the back, directing his troops across the battlefield. He deserves another premiership.
Tupou - 7.5 - The flying gazelle will need work in the off-season. I bit of weight in those legs so he isn't picked up and dragged back so easily, like he was in the Grand Final. Not too much weight, however, otherwise he will lose height on his fabulous leap, which came good at the pointy end of the season.
Jennings - 8.5 - The 'Black Flash' as my old man calls him, has had a stellar season, rewarded with a national call up. Arguably the most consistent all year, Jennings has topped our try scoring list and held his side of the field up in defence brilliantly. And we still have him for 3 more years.
Kenny-Dowall - 6.5 - A mostly average season earns him a relatively low mark. Forgetting his Grand Final heroics, SKD has failed to live up to his 2010, hardly finding the try line as much as he used too. His defence has improved, however he needs to realise he is a big man, and that he can use this to his advantage.
Tuivasa-Sheck - 7 - A star in the making, however his time will come. He sees little to no ball in free space, but when he does, he is a treat to watch. Mini is only keeping the seat warm for him. RTS is a pocket rocket waiting to blast off. He will be better than Slater. Mark my words.
Maloney - 9 - It can be easy to give BBQ a good mark, he is replacing the great Braith Anasta, after all. But Jimmy has come in to his own this season, showing us the kind of half he really is. Earned himself a SOO call up along the way, and certainly wasn't far off a green and gold jersey. Most importantly, he performed under pressure. The best number 6 we've had since Fittler.
Pearce - 8.5 - Many may underestimate Mitchell's efforts this year, but he has stood up as a leader of this team. He has experience beyond his 24 years, and it showed. He will be a real shot at captain after Mini retires, but it would probably be better for him to concentrate on his football. If I'm honest, he is only one step off being an elite half.
Waerea-Haregreaves - 9 - A couple of suspensions have kept him from a perfect score IMO. He has been our heart and soul this year. Without him, we would've lost a few more games. He is the spiritual leader of the team, and he has come across in leaps and bounds in 2013. Deserves every bit of his Kiwi jersey, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has the (vc) next to his name.
Friend - 9.5 - Quite the stellar season. This time last year I would have given anything to get someone like Farah to replace him, but now I wouldn't even want Cam Smith to wear our number 9 jersey. He, as well as JWH, has not only taken his game to the next level, but taken it beyond what I imagined it would be. The next Queensland and Australian hooker. Mark my words.
Moa - 8 - You cant knock the bloke. A low centre of gravity makes it hard to bring him down. Runs hard and doesn't take a backward step. I fear he may be studied by other teams over the off-season and his surprise factor will evaporate. Young guns like Evans and Napa can learn from him.
Cordner - 8.5 - Breakout season for the young bloke. And he has proved he belongs in first grade as much as the greats. He is a future rep player, and it certainly wont be long before we see him in a Kangaroos jersey. Hopefully, we keep him here for life.
Sonny Bill Williams - 10 - Words cannot describe what he has done for the club. Both on the field and off it. I'm left speechless just thinking about it. There is too much to write. And that's just in 12 months. Glad to have you on board for another year Sonny, let's go back to back.
Nu'uausala - 6.5 - My man Frank Paul the 'wrecking ball'. Last time I checked, wrecking balls were used to destroy things, rather than run good decoys and look intimidating. He was dropped to the bench in favour of an injured Cordner and his relatively good form ran out after he re-signed. Needs to run the ball more in 2014.
Mortimer - 4 - What can you do with as little time he gets? However Robinson stuck with him all year, he obviously has a purpose. His 4 marks come from someone of the wonderful tackles he has made, when he stuck in at half against the Bulldogs in round 15, and for those extra minutes rest he gives Friend.
Aubusson - 7 - Backwards would be proud. I like Aubo, and I hope he stays. He provides good value for money,and can cover a wide range of positions. I modern day Chris Flannery, in my eyes, and you don't get too many of those these days. He can hit a hole and make a crucial tackle, and is as loyal as they come.
Guerra - 7.5 - Again, Guerra was a slow starter who boomed during the finals series. Many were questioning his position in the team after he was being used as a lock style player earlier in the year, but he found a home on the edge. His mouthguard is my favourite part.
O'Donnell - 7.5 - Another relatively underrated cog in this red, white and blue machine. I never questioned his signing, as I thought he were missing a hard, experienced player to drag the players through the tough times. He came her wanting to win a premiership and he got one, now he wants to stay for more.
Kennedy - 6 - Provided a big body in the first half of the season but that its about it. He wears his heart on his sleeve but there are more fish in the sea. Off to Brisbane with a premiership ring, but it may be a dull one at that.
Liu - 6.5 - A good year for his rookie year. Didn't set the world on fire but he knew what his job was and he did it well. A no-nonsense, head down, arse up kind of guy.
Napa - 5.5 - Came on in the later half of the year, but you can tell the kid is special. He wont disappoint anyone, and isn't afraid to go up against the big guys, just ask Graham, Gallen, Burgess or Fa'aoso.
The Rest: Arona, Oldfield, Tasi, Seluini and Langi all played 3 games or less, but were all a part of the machine that was they Sydney Roosters. Well done to all of them, and good luck to Lama Tasi, who is off to England next year.
That's it. Thanks for reading.
Kegs Out.
Barring a bit of Todd Carney brilliance back in 2010, the Roosters have only made the finals once since the great Brad Fittler retired in 2004. This of course was in 2008, when we were led by 'Freddy' as coach, alas we were knocked out in straight sets.
Uncle Nick Politis has sought to bring the Roosters back to the glory days, signing and sacking a number of coaches, as well as players. Who could forget the Bulldogs blitz of 2008 where we signed Mason, O'Meley and Myles, to accompany Braith Anasta in our line up, then to be joined the by chookpen cult hero, Nick Kouparitsas.
But 2013 was something else. Round 1 was a blight on our year. We were simply not ready. But we improved. After a shaky start, we strung 3 wins together before being mowed down in the second half against Canberra in round 5. The players were surely looking ahead to SBW's return against the Bulldogs.
A string of 5 wins was ended by the Melbourne Storm, who demonstrated the class needed to win the big games. I', sure the team learnt from this. It was only a few weeks later we lost to the Warriors in round 14, but we then went on an 8 game winning streak to rocket to the top of the ladder, and put ourselves in a golden position for the finals.
In what was the 'low point' of the season, we lost consecutive games against the Sharks and the Titans in rounds 24 and 25 respectively. However any doubts were erased as we eased past South Sydney to claim the minor premiership in round 26, and begin our finals campaign from the top rung.
A hard fought battle against Manly led to a win and a deserved week off, before a strong win against the Knights took us to the big dance where we didn't meet pre-season premiers, the Rabbitohs, but Manly again, arguably one of the more enduring teams of the last decade.
But the Roosters were victorious, and what a special night it was. The players were ready, the coach was ready, and although we were nervous, we stuck to our game plan and prevailed, finally reaching the dreaded number 13 premiership.
Minichiello - 8 - The captain stood up when he needed too. I was a sceptic. I honestly thought he was past it, and he still might be, but he showed enough class and commitment to overcome a slow start to the year to become a shining beacon from the back, directing his troops across the battlefield. He deserves another premiership.
Tupou - 7.5 - The flying gazelle will need work in the off-season. I bit of weight in those legs so he isn't picked up and dragged back so easily, like he was in the Grand Final. Not too much weight, however, otherwise he will lose height on his fabulous leap, which came good at the pointy end of the season.
Jennings - 8.5 - The 'Black Flash' as my old man calls him, has had a stellar season, rewarded with a national call up. Arguably the most consistent all year, Jennings has topped our try scoring list and held his side of the field up in defence brilliantly. And we still have him for 3 more years.
Kenny-Dowall - 6.5 - A mostly average season earns him a relatively low mark. Forgetting his Grand Final heroics, SKD has failed to live up to his 2010, hardly finding the try line as much as he used too. His defence has improved, however he needs to realise he is a big man, and that he can use this to his advantage.
Tuivasa-Sheck - 7 - A star in the making, however his time will come. He sees little to no ball in free space, but when he does, he is a treat to watch. Mini is only keeping the seat warm for him. RTS is a pocket rocket waiting to blast off. He will be better than Slater. Mark my words.
Maloney - 9 - It can be easy to give BBQ a good mark, he is replacing the great Braith Anasta, after all. But Jimmy has come in to his own this season, showing us the kind of half he really is. Earned himself a SOO call up along the way, and certainly wasn't far off a green and gold jersey. Most importantly, he performed under pressure. The best number 6 we've had since Fittler.
Pearce - 8.5 - Many may underestimate Mitchell's efforts this year, but he has stood up as a leader of this team. He has experience beyond his 24 years, and it showed. He will be a real shot at captain after Mini retires, but it would probably be better for him to concentrate on his football. If I'm honest, he is only one step off being an elite half.
Waerea-Haregreaves - 9 - A couple of suspensions have kept him from a perfect score IMO. He has been our heart and soul this year. Without him, we would've lost a few more games. He is the spiritual leader of the team, and he has come across in leaps and bounds in 2013. Deserves every bit of his Kiwi jersey, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has the (vc) next to his name.
Friend - 9.5 - Quite the stellar season. This time last year I would have given anything to get someone like Farah to replace him, but now I wouldn't even want Cam Smith to wear our number 9 jersey. He, as well as JWH, has not only taken his game to the next level, but taken it beyond what I imagined it would be. The next Queensland and Australian hooker. Mark my words.
Moa - 8 - You cant knock the bloke. A low centre of gravity makes it hard to bring him down. Runs hard and doesn't take a backward step. I fear he may be studied by other teams over the off-season and his surprise factor will evaporate. Young guns like Evans and Napa can learn from him.
Cordner - 8.5 - Breakout season for the young bloke. And he has proved he belongs in first grade as much as the greats. He is a future rep player, and it certainly wont be long before we see him in a Kangaroos jersey. Hopefully, we keep him here for life.
Sonny Bill Williams - 10 - Words cannot describe what he has done for the club. Both on the field and off it. I'm left speechless just thinking about it. There is too much to write. And that's just in 12 months. Glad to have you on board for another year Sonny, let's go back to back.
Nu'uausala - 6.5 - My man Frank Paul the 'wrecking ball'. Last time I checked, wrecking balls were used to destroy things, rather than run good decoys and look intimidating. He was dropped to the bench in favour of an injured Cordner and his relatively good form ran out after he re-signed. Needs to run the ball more in 2014.
Mortimer - 4 - What can you do with as little time he gets? However Robinson stuck with him all year, he obviously has a purpose. His 4 marks come from someone of the wonderful tackles he has made, when he stuck in at half against the Bulldogs in round 15, and for those extra minutes rest he gives Friend.
Aubusson - 7 - Backwards would be proud. I like Aubo, and I hope he stays. He provides good value for money,and can cover a wide range of positions. I modern day Chris Flannery, in my eyes, and you don't get too many of those these days. He can hit a hole and make a crucial tackle, and is as loyal as they come.
Guerra - 7.5 - Again, Guerra was a slow starter who boomed during the finals series. Many were questioning his position in the team after he was being used as a lock style player earlier in the year, but he found a home on the edge. His mouthguard is my favourite part.
O'Donnell - 7.5 - Another relatively underrated cog in this red, white and blue machine. I never questioned his signing, as I thought he were missing a hard, experienced player to drag the players through the tough times. He came her wanting to win a premiership and he got one, now he wants to stay for more.
Kennedy - 6 - Provided a big body in the first half of the season but that its about it. He wears his heart on his sleeve but there are more fish in the sea. Off to Brisbane with a premiership ring, but it may be a dull one at that.
Liu - 6.5 - A good year for his rookie year. Didn't set the world on fire but he knew what his job was and he did it well. A no-nonsense, head down, arse up kind of guy.
Napa - 5.5 - Came on in the later half of the year, but you can tell the kid is special. He wont disappoint anyone, and isn't afraid to go up against the big guys, just ask Graham, Gallen, Burgess or Fa'aoso.
The Rest: Arona, Oldfield, Tasi, Seluini and Langi all played 3 games or less, but were all a part of the machine that was they Sydney Roosters. Well done to all of them, and good luck to Lama Tasi, who is off to England next year.
That's it. Thanks for reading.
Kegs Out.
Comment