The first team in 30 years

[The Who]

Easts are the first team in 30 years to be somehow able to retain each member of their premiership winning team for the following season, reports the SMH . . .
Damn. Shame Hayne must be playing for them again.

 

[Killer03]

Whilst the Roosters did fantastically well last year, I think they are going to find backing up a premiership is harder than winning it. There really is a reason why no team has gone back to back since the Broncs of 92 and 93.

Firstly the WCC, admittedly this is in Australia, so will help, but it's still a big deal.

Secondly, everyone will be trying to knock them off as premiers.

Thirdly, they are not a secret anymore, every coach will be studying them (remember the Dogs tactics of 2012?? They were a revelation, in 2013 they were outdated).

Finally, all those fringe players or young player (ie Tupou, Shek, Guerra), will want more money.

I think the Roosters will be at the top end (be hard to see them not). But it's a long slog to back up a premiership.

 

[Shoe1]

They lost a couple out of their top 25 though - oldfield, kennedy etc

 

[mozgrame]

I think they will suffer a lot more than they think without Oldfield. Look what happened to us.

 

[bones]

Luke O'Donnell has retired.

 

[MPC75]

Roosters had a lot of luck with injuries this year, hence they won the comp. Some injuries to some of their key players in 2014 will see them drop down a peg or 2. The reason no team has gone back to back since the broncs is due to depth and no quality reserve competition. The Roosters will not have the same luck in 2014.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Luke O'Donnell has retired.

Almost the first team in 30 years.