NRL.com: Roosters NRLW 2021 Roster Changes and Best 17
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The Roosters will be looking to make it third time lucky in 2022 with two NRL Telstra Women's Premierships offering the perfect opportunity to go a step further and claim an elusive title.
The Tricolours have undergone a few changes in the extended break with John Strange replacing Jamie Feeney and a host of firepower moving on to new franchises.
In return, the eastern suburbs club have Jillaroos star Isabelle Kelly returning to the club and golden boot winner Jess Sergis on board after three years at the Dragons.
Also joining the Roosters are former Broncos Raecene McGregor, the older sister of Dragons centre Page McGregor, and Taylor Mapusua, along with former Warriors prop Sam Economos and Maori All Star prop Mya Hill-Moana.
A core group of familiar faces remain for the Tricolours including halves Corban Baxter and Zahara Temara, and lock Hannah Southwell, but overall the club will have 12 uncapped players in their squad looking for an NRLW debut.
Kelly full of anticipation for NRLW 2021
Among those on the cusp of NRLW debuts include hooker Olivia Higgins, Queensland under 19s forward Keilee Joseph, back-rower Otesa Pule and prop Tayla Predebon.
The club's link with the Central Coast Roosters HNWP side also goes from strength-to-strength with 11 players in the NRLW squad coming from the partnership.
Possible best 17
1. Isabelle Kelly 2. Brydie Parker 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Yasmin Meakes 5. Taylor Mapusua 6. Corban Baxter 7. Zahara Temara 8. Samantha Economos 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Sarah Togatuki 12. Keilee Joseph 13. Hannah Southwell. Interchange: 14. Raecene McGregor 15. Tayla Predebon 16. Olivia Kernick 17. Otesa Pule
Biggest strength
The club's outside backs bring plenty of strike power with the return of Isabelle Kelly and the addition of Jess Sergis ensuring there will be enough yardage covered coming out of their own half.
Kelly, Sergis and Meakes have all represented NSW while Brydie Parker has been on the cusp of state selection for the past two years.
Sergis is likely to get the nod over Kelly for the fullback role after starring for Helensburgh in the No.1 jersey in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership in 2021.
The pair are in for big campaigns following the losses of Botille Vette-Welsh (Eels) and Charlotte Caslick (rugby) during the break but have proven in the past they're more than capable of stepping up when required.
Biggest question mark
The pack has taken a massive hit with representative trio Simaima Taufa, Filomina Hanisi and Kennedy Cherrington all defecting to the Eels.
They've also lost their potent dummy halves rotation with Nita Maynard (Eels) and Quincy Dodd (Dragons) both moving on.
The likes of Hannah Southwell and Sarah Togatuki will need to step up while the uncapped players in the forward pack will need to rise to the next level.
Temara: 'I'm excited to see what we can do'
Draw snapshot
The Roosters will start their campaign with a grand final rematch against the Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 27.
With only seven players remaining from the squad who played in the 2020 decider, however, the match is unlikely to have the same feel as previous seasons.
A highlight in the draw will come in round three for the Roosters when they host the Knights at the SCG prior to the men's round one fixture against Newcastle on March 12.
