For & Against: Are the Roosters still title contenders?

[Easts75]

100% No....but no team would be a genuine contender losing key players like us

This doesnt mean we cant have a highly successful year and gain a lot from it that will just make our great club stronger moving forward

[The Skeez]

For sure we are.
Every other team could suffer suspension or the injury toll to their players that we have. Trent will just keep putting out the best 17 every week and I’ll keep watching regardless.

[Lydon]

No disrespect to Hutch but if we could somehow land an experienced 5/8th like a Widdop or Maloney for the rest of the year to partner Walker in the halves then I give ourselves a massive shot this year..

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Depends on the pack.

If JWH, Collins, SST, Crichton, Radley can stay fit and firing, we've got a chance.

Walker, Lam, Teddy, Morrises, Manu and a fit Verrills at peak are enough fire power to get the team to the big dance.

It will take A LOT of luck though, not just for us, but we'll rely on other squads being a bit understrength at times too.

Its a big ask, but it's not over.

Pretty much agree with that.

Its a big ask with two relatively inexperienced halves, but talent can take you places if the rest of the team are strong and consistent with their performances.

The other thing is coaching. Robbo has to keep the guys hungry and start winning the tactical battles against his main opponents. I also hope Fitzy dividing his time and energy now won't impact us negatively.

[bondi.boy]

While anything is still "mathematically possible"...we are a contender.

[bondi.boy]

Pretty much agree with that.

Its a big ask with two relatively inexperienced halves, but talent can take you places if the rest of the team are strong and consistent with their performances.

The other thing is coaching. Robbo has to keep the guys hungry and start winning the tactical battles against his main opponents. I also hope Fitzy dividing his time and energy now won't impact us negatively.

If his mind is elsewhere, he can be ball boy at training and a new guy hired immediately.
B Moz is not ready to retire yet, and wants to be a head coach after playing career.
B Moz can be assistant coach.
First thing he should coach would be teaching wingers to stay on their wings in defence.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

The Mole is saying a new sex tape scandal is about to hit the media. Filmed and distributed without consent. Hope we are clean.

[Horry]

The Mole is saying a new sex tape scandal is about to hit the media. Filmed and distributed without consent. Hope we are clean.

Slippery team. DB is the talk

[dice]

I would love to think you are right Dice, but I think I will have to agree with most of the others on this one. It might just be a bridge too far this time, but we might come closer than many people think. It will be fascinating to see how we handle things. At least we won't be under much pressure. I agree that $10 is about right.

Still, other teams can have injuries - the ultimate leveller.

I retracted it as I realised also I backed us very late last year. I got the highest odds again but injuries f*cked again during the finals. It will be the same this year with needing luck with any more injuries.

I still say Keary not as important this year. You can already see other players jumping in at first receiver even before Keary got injured. Attack this year is no longer focused on one or two players. Walker, Teddy, Verrills, Rads, Manu, are all capable of being an effective focal point on any given play.

[Lydon]

I retracted it as I realised also I backed us very late last year. I got the highest odds again but injuries f*cked again during the finals. It will be the same this year with needing luck with any more injuries.

I still say Keary not as important this year. You can already see other players jumping in at first receiver even before Keary got injured. Attack this year is no longer focused on one or two players. Walker, Teddy, Verrills, Rads, Manu, are all capable of being an effective focal point on any given play.

Considering we are going with a rookie halfback for the rest of the year having Keary there would’ve been ideal..

So I think having Keary was more important this year then any other year, but them the breaks..

Imagine reaching the semi finals with a full Squad and Keary and Walker in the halves..Wow!

[dice]

Considering we are going with a rookie halfback for the rest of the year having Keary there would’ve been ideal..

In an odd way we were lucky Keary was ruled out early. We have almost an entire season to get Walker where he needs to be. A bit like Verrills having a good stint at hooker in 2019 with Friend lengthy injury.

[Lydon]

In an odd way we were lucky Keary was ruled out early. We have almost an entire season to get Walker where he needs to be. A bit like Verrills having a good stint at hooker in 2019 with Friend lengthy injury.

Yes fair point dice

[rented tracksuit]

We will win.

That is all.

[BUDDY]

Considering we are going with a rookie halfback for the rest of the year having Keary there would’ve been ideal..

So I think having Keary was more important this year then any other year, but them the breaks..

Imagine reaching the semi finals with a full Squad and Keary and Walker in the halves..Wow!

I think we can win it but only if we find a decent 5/8. I don't think we can get to the big dance with either Lam or Hutch. It is to be seen if Keighran can do the job if he stops getting injured and if Robbo gives him a shot.

I wouldn't be surprised if we are after TJ to fill the 5/8 role. Fast, skilful, a great pass, great running game, good defender. Can pick his moments while Walker leads the team around and does his magic. An elite athlete at the top of his game. Now that Verrills is back I see it a waste if we use TJ as a hooker. If Verrills gets injured again sure TJ is a great backup but I find it hard to believe that Robbo will go after him just for the remainder of this year to be a backup hooker. TJ at 5/8 could be our X factor in the back end of the season.

Just my opinion. Run at me.

[Larry Long Balls]

Its not looking great is it. No Friend or Keary and a prop or two short. We make the 8 and go out without threatening anyone is my guess.