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As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2023, the Roosters should again be title contenders.

As has been the case for most of Trent Robinson’s decade-long tenure as coach, he is not short of options for the Roosters to be a premiership force.

Now that Joey Manu is rivalling James Tedesco as the best fullback in the world and Joseph Suaalii is keen to make his mark in the No.1 jersey, Robinson has a battle on his hands keeping his stars happy.

Veteran five-eighth Luke Keary could end up being the unlucky odd man out if Robinson wants to get Manu into more of a playmaker role. 

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Despite losing plenty of experience in the off-season to rival clubs and the Super League, the Tricolours should again be there when the whips are cracking in the finals.

Brandon Smith. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Who’s new? 

Storm star Brandon Smith was in the headlines last off-season for his controversial podcast comments indicating he was heading to the Roosters. His form was not up to its usual standard in 2022 at Melbourne and now that he finally has a chance to sew up a No.9 jersey of his own, he could be a difference-maker at the Roosters.

The Roosters have also added Jake Turpin as a dummy-half option after he was unwanted by the Broncos, while Jaxson Paulo (Rabbitohs) and Corey Allan (Bulldogs) have been added to boost the depth in the outside backs.

Who’s gone? 

Sam Verrills saw the writing on the wall when Smith was signed so he linked with the Titans while veteran prop Siosiua Taukeiaho has joined Catalans Dragons, along with utility Adam Keighran.

Utility back Kevin Naiqama has also headed to the Super League, signing with Huddersfield while prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs), and English centre Oliver Gildart (to the Dolphins after a late-season loan deal from the Wests Tigers) are also no longer at the Roosters.

(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Key spots to unlock 

Likely bench utility Connor Watson looks set to miss the start of the season after suffering a suspected patella tendon injury at training, as first reported by Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas.

Brandon Smith will get first crack at hooker and with Watson out, Drew Hutchison or Turpin are in contention to be his back-up off the bench.

Centre has been a problem spot for the Roosters in recent seasons. Joey Manu is arguably the best in the world while the other spot could go to Paul Momirovski or Joseph Suaali’i if Robinson wants to move his teen prodigy closer to the action. Billy Smith is again injured and is due back mid-season from a knee complaint.

Keary deserves to be given five-eighth duties but long term, Manu could be a better option. 

Angus Crichton may be out for Round 1 depending on his appeal against a suspension from the World Cup final with the back-rower hoping to use the club’s pre-season trial as part of the ban.

Sitili Tupouniua is rehabbing a knee injury so Nat Butcher should step into the run-on team.

Round 1 predicted team

1 James Tedesco
2 Daniel Tupou
3 Paul Momirovski
4 Joseph Manu
5 Joseph Suaali’i
6 Luke Keary
7 Sam Walker
8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9 Brandon Smith
10 Lindsay Collins
11 Nat Butcher
12 Angus Crichton (depending on NRL ruling on suspension)
13 Victor Radley
Interchange
14 Drew Hutchison
15 Egan Butcher
16 Terrell May
17 Fletcher Baker

Other squad members: Sitili Tupouniua, Connor Watson, Billy Smith (injured), Corey Allan, Jake Turpin, Jaxson Paulo, Joshua Wong, Naufau Whyte, Robert Toia, Tukupa Hau Tapuha.

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