LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
After suffering a disastrous loss in the first round of the 2025 season, the Sydney Roosters are facing criticism and calls for action.
Veteran reporter Buzz Rothfield has suggested that the Roosters should consider bringing back former star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from the Super League to address their lack of depth.
The Roosters have been struggling since losing key players like Joey Manu, Luke Keary, and others at the end of the previous season.
Chad Townsend, who joined the team, was forced into a key role after Sam Walker's injury, but the team still lacks the necessary firepower.
Rothfield believes that the Roosters must make a big-money play for Manu once he completes his overseas commitments.
However, this leaves a worrying gap in the roster for the current season.
The Roosters are set to face the Penrith Panthers next, adding to the pressure on coach Trent Robinson and the club's recruitment decisions.
Rothfield stated, "They are in all sorts, they face the champions Penrith this weekend...the spotlight and the blowtorch is well and truly on, not just Trent Robinson, but the club's recruitment." While there are challenges ahead for the Roosters, the possibility of bringing back Waerea-Hargreaves from the Super League is not completely off the table.
Waerea-Hargreaves, who was a leader for the Roosters during his NRL career, could provide much-needed experience and strength to the struggling team.
As the Roosters look to bounce back from their early-season setback, they will need to make strategic moves in recruitment and player management to regain their competitive edge in the NRL.