A look at the 2019 player movements across the Telstra Premiership suggests the 2018 premiers have arguably as good a chance as any club in NRL history of going back to back.
The Roosters have the luxury of replacing their two highest-profile departures – back-rower Ryan Matterson and winger Blake Ferguson – with similarly high-calibre recruits in Angus Crichton and Brett Morris. England Test star Ryan Hall will sit out the early rounds due to a knee reconstruction but will at some stage make the three-way wing battle with Morris and Dan Tupou a fierce one.
Maroons prop Dylan Napa has also moved to the Bulldogs but finished last season on the bench as his minutes plunged compared to previous years; his absence opens the way for more game time for the likes of Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher and Sitili Tupouniua.
Resident NRL.com expert Jamie Soward says:
"Brett Morris, what a pickup to come onto that wing. Ryan Hall unfortunately is injured but that gives Daniel Tupou a chance to play for a contract.
"Crichton comes in, they get stronger for me. Last year I tipped Melbourne was the best chance to go back to back – this side will go back to back."
NRL.com's predicted Round 1 team:
- James Tedesco
- Daniel Tupou
- Joseph Manu
- Latrell Mitchell
- Brett Morris
- Luke Keary
- Cooper Cronk
- Jared Waerea-Haregreaves
- Jake Friend
- Siosiua Taukeiaho
- Boyd Cordner
- Angus Crichton
- Victor Radley
- Isaac Liu
- Lindsay Collins
- Zane Tetevano
- Mitchell Aubusson
Other squad members: Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Josh Curran, Poasa Faamausili, Ryan Hall, Brock Lamb, Bernard Lewis, Shaquai Mitchell, Sitili Tupouniua.
