It will be a very different Roosters outfit that runs out in their Round 1 opener against the Broncos, with code-swaps, injuries and moves to the Super League ushering in a new era at Bondi.
There will not only be a new centre pairing with Joey Manu and Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii taking up opportunities in rugby union, but a new halves pairing as well with Sam Walker out with injury, while Luke Keary has moved to Catalans Dragons.
Originally thought of as depth signing and a player to help guide the younger halves with his experience, Chad Townsend is now set to start the year at halfback, pairing with youngster Sandon Smith, who played 14 games last year.
While they still have spaces to fill in their squad and seem to need to add some more experience, the club does have some options in their backs who will press to impress coach Trent Robinson to earn a spot in their Round 1 line-up.
With the more experienced Billy Smith hampered by a hip injury, youngster Robert Toia and union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase, who debuted on the wing last year, seem the likely new centre duo after playing in their recent Witzer Pre-Season Challenge match.
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James Graham dissects the Roosters 2025 NRL Draw
With the club's most experienced forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves moving to the Super League, Robinson will be hoping he can get the same intimidation factor from his front-row replacement, who is set to be Spencer Leniu.
The departure of Sitili Tupouniua to the Bulldogs and Terrell May for Wests Tigers, as well as injury to Brandon Smith (ACL in Round 26) mean their depth will be severely tested to start the season, namely in the hooking role, with Connor Watson needing to play the full 80.
Egan Butcher, who suffered an ACL injury in Round 12 last year is touch-and-go for the season opener, but will likely be included in the line-up if fit.
Predicted Round 1 team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase
4. Robert Toia
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Siua Wong
14. Egan Butcher
15. Nat Butcher
16. Naufahu Whyte
17. De La Salle Va'a
