2025 NRL Team Previews

Sydney Roosters NRL 2025 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement

Jeremy Darke

Editor

Last updated: 13 Feb 2025

Jeremy Darke 13 Feb 2025

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The Sydney Roosters predicted to finish fourth in the NRL 2025 season.
Can the Roosters attack be the best in the NRL again in 2025?
Challenges with new and untested halves pairing.

The Sydney Roosters predicted to finish fourth in the NRL 2025 season. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Sydney Roosters NRL 2025 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement

Sydney Roosters NRL 2025 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement
Where they finish in 2025: 4
Computer modelling Projected Win total: 15
Best contender for Dally M: Victor Radley
What’s to like
What’s NOT to like
Sydney Roosters Offseason Player Movement
Sydney Roosters Predicted Starting 17

Where they finish in 2025: 4

The Roosters made their way back into the top four in 2024 with their electrifying attack topping the league with an average of 29.3 points per game.

That being said, they have lost Joey Manu and Joseph Suaali'i from their backline, however, the potential of Billy Smith as a consistent starter and Ruby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase will hopefully fill the void for the Chooks.

Luke Keary has also moved on from Bondi and the effects of Sam Walker also being missing for the start of the season raises some questions of just how fast the Roosters can start in 2025.

Computer modelling Projected Win total: 15

As mentioned above, Sydney’s start to the season may take some time to warm up with a new halves pairing along with a couple of newish faces in the backline.

Our models had the Chooks finishing with 18 wins this season and being up there with the top of the crop, however, a few unexpected losses at the start of the season could see them chasing victories in the second half of the year to make the top four.

Best contender for Dally M: Victor Radley

The British lock is a game changer for the Chooks and if he can stay out of the sights of the referees and avoid suspension his name is certainly going to feature often in the Dally M voting.

Radley has become a true leader in Bondi and with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves moving to the Super League, the Roosters No.13 is going to have to be the inspiration and lead by example, picking up a little more of the workload and lifting his forwards in 2025.

What’s to like

There is plenty to like about the Roosters once again in 2025 despite losing some key men in the offseason.

If you have to pick one thing it has to be the forward pack for the Chooks which has held itself together well. Spencer Leniu is another year older and learnt some hard lessons in 2024 but is expected to step up in a permanent starting role while the rest of the scrum are Origin caliber players that are backed up well on the bench.

What’s NOT to like

An untested and inexperienced halves pairing will lead the Roosters to start the season. Luke Keary has moved on while Sam Walker will be out with a knee injury he suffered in 2024.

Chad Townsend and Sandon Smith will be tasked with steering the Roosters around the park, which don’t get me wrong, could be a vibrant combination, however, starting the season with new halves pairing always puts a lump in your stomach.

Sydney Roosters Offseason Player Movement

Ins: Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Chad Townsend (Cowboys)

Outs: Joseph Suaali'i (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs), Terrell May (Wests Tigers)