The pre-season optimism surrounding the Roosters has clearly been misplaced, as the team has endured two significant losses in the opening three rounds of the 2026 season.
Once deemed a strong contender for the premiership, the Roosters are now labeled as a "work in progress," facing concerns with the underperforming halves pairing of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker.
After a dismal 42-18 defeat against the Warriors, the Tricolours managed a rebound, defeating the Rabbitohs 26-18 in Round 2.
However, their initial momentum was crushed when, after scoring first against the Panthers, they surrendered 40 unanswered points, ending the match with a disappointing 40-4 scoreline.
This defeat places the Roosters in the lower section of the standings, and despite the early stage of the campaign, Trent Robinson's team appears to be struggling.
Historical context suggests that securing the title from outside the top four is highly unlikely, and the Tricolours must avoid a repeat of last season's challenges in merely qualifying for the top eight.
With the hope that marquee signings Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson would elevate the Roosters' game, both players were on the field against the Panthers but failed to make a significant offensive contribution.