Sydney Roosters: About to cut loose
Highlight: The names of the Roosters backline... A nightmare for those with a speech impediment, at one time there was: Sam Perrett, Sisa Waqa, Mitch Aubusson, Sia Soliola, Shaun Kenny-Dowell, Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pierce.
Lowlight: Brad Fittler. From his downfall as a winning-coach, to his bizarre experiments with positioning (Anasta at fullback?),to getting loaded and trying to get into a woman's hotel room resulting in police being called, to his self-imposed $10,000 fine, and his ultimate sacking by the club. It is an ignoble way for the best left foot step in the game to leave Rugby League. Luckily, there are limited coaches around, so look for Fittler to go to England, coach a team to a grand-final win, be called a Supercoach, and then return to coach Parramatta in 2013.
Most Valuable Player: Frank-Paul Nuuausala - Most unlikely combination of two names to make a first name; Most unlikely combination of first and last names; Most unlikely preponderance of the letter U in a last name. Also only one of 5 players to play all 21 games.
Most Worthless Player: It's like trying to determine the fattest kid at fat camp.
Telling statistics: Roosters have conceded the most points per game (28) and they've rewarded their loyal latte-drinking fans by scoring less than 2.5 tries per home game (worst in League). Without the Sharks they would have only had 3 wins in the season. In a positive note, their defence has actually improved since Round 1 when they conceded 52 against the Rabbitohs.
Quote that best sums up their year: Brad Fittler* “Well, it's been a tough season, but seeing how well the Bulldogs performed this year the Roosters are looking good for 2011".
2010 Outlook: Despite Smith bringing in the hose to get rid of the useless debris (seeya Ogre O'Meley), the Roosters are in for another couple of years of pain. Look for Junior Pearce to make a surprise comeback in 2010 to show his son some of his moves from 1989.
* Not the real Brad Fittler
The Roosters have certainly filled a vital role in 2009. Because of the salary cap the comp is extremely even, and without the Roosters there would have been be no easy game for the other teams to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteOff-field dramas have once again featured. The question is, are the off-field dramas the result of a poor season, or are they the cause of it?
Unfortunately the Chooks will be hard-pressed to solve this conundrum in the immediate future, even though they have given Blind Freddie the flick. With ancient stalwart Craig Fitzgibbon also departing, the chief dilemma next season will be choosing the player leadership group. There is an unconfirmed rumour the club is trying to lure Julian O'Neil out of retirement. Failing that, the chief candidates are expected to include Willie Mason, Jake Friend, Nate Myles, and talented new signing Todd Carney.
The potential in the playing roster is unlimited, and this group might become the first ever to succeed in turning Brian Smith into a party animal.