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Parker tips Roosters to miss finals after loss of 1,257 games worth of experience
Charles Goodsir • February 21st, 2025 12:44 pm
The Sydney Roosters are at the crossroads according to SEN’s Corey Parker and he believes their 2025 season will dictate the club’s direction for future seasons to come.
The Roosters have been regular finalists over the last 20 years and have only missed finals once in the last 12 seasons. However, the Roosters have lost an unprecedented amount of talent and experience with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii among others to have walked out the door.
In addition to the lengthy injury layoff for key players like Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, Parker is concerned that the Roosters lack quality talent to compete at a consistent level and is tipping them to miss finals.
“I’ve put them outside the top eight,” Parker told SENQ Breakfast.
“I think they’ve dropped the ball in regards to their succession plan for their star players.
“1257 games of experience has left the Roosters team from last year. I’ve got concerns based on that.
“I don’t think they also anticipated Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu leaving or Terrell May leaving either.
“It’s left them in the lurch and their lack of experience this year will certainly test them.
“That’s where I’m concerned and it’s through that grind, that mid part of the season…is this a side that can make the top eight?
“No Brandon Smith and no Sam Walker available will be critical.
“I’ve always been waiting for a succession plan because they are normally so far ahead and I just haven’t seen that.
“You have Chad Townsend and Sandon Smith as your halves. I just find it really difficult to see them challenging for the top eight.
“A lot of things will need to go right for them this season. To play top eight football, you need your best players on the park for a long time.
“I don’t know that over the course of 27 rounds that the Roosters can play consistent football that can help them play finals.
“I think 1257 games of experience is far too many to take out of your team to then continue to be a force in the NRL.
“I’ve just got to call it like I see it.”
The Roosters host the Brisbane Broncos in Round 1 at Allianz Stadium on March 6.
