'Healthiest team wins': The injuries shaping the race for 2025 NRL title

Last year, Roosters captain James Tedesco witnessed his team's hopes for a premiership dashed within just 26 minutes. The Roosters faced significant setbacks when both Sam Walker and Brandon Smith suffered serious knee injuries, which ultimately crushed any aspirations for a title.

Since then, Smith has transferred to the Rabbitohs, while Walker has made a comeback and is now seen as a potential game-changer in the competition. As teams push through late-season injuries on their quest for finals, Walker stands out as a key wildcard.

In contrast to the previous season, the Roosters have emerged as one of the healthiest squads in the league, significantly improving their standing in the ladder. For Tedesco, the positive change is unmistakable, yet he remains aware that the situation can shift dramatically at any moment.

The impressive performance of the team's replacements allows coach Ricky Stuart to avoid rushing the returning players back into the lineup, with both expected to make their appearances soon. Raiders hooker Tom Starling emphasizes that the club is benefitting from a long-term strategy focused on enhancing depth across all positions.

Unfortunately for the Sharks, the injury woes that plagued the Roosters last year have now struck them. Captain Cameron McInnes sustained a ruptured ACL during a recent victory over the Titans.