It wasn't hard to see it coming. Roosters have recruited many 2nd rowers over the years but lacked depth up front. The problem being, the 2nd rowers they recruited or developed aren't "mobile", nor is the front row. With the 2 referees the game was always going to be quicker, as a result the need for good ruck defense and line speed is paramount. Something the Roosters forward pack were never going to be at the top in. Chuck in some overrated ex-dogs like O'Meley and Mason for good measure. The Roosters have a backline that requires their forward pack to dominate, the reliance on set plays and kicking games was never going to come to the fore if the pack didn't have the better of their opposition.
I couldn't understand all the hype about the Roosters before this season, the over-achieved last year with a stellar early run in the season, it was never going to pan out that way this time around. That being said I don't think anyone had them pegged as spoon contenders either. That said, they look to be turning things around over the last 4 rounds, they've just got to learn how to win again.
I don't think those are the issues. The offseason, by recent reports that came out when the sh*t hit the fan a few weeks ago, was a complete waste, with Fittler shuffling around the halves, a few forwards have recons and not training. A couple of losses in and there was friction between the players and coach. Injuries piled up. Our season started poorly and things just got worse, some were the clubs fault, others were just horrid luck.
I honestly thought at the end of last year, sure we bombed out badly, but the young guys would be a whole lot better for the experience. Mason and O'Meley had started last year well enough, and Mason was injured for the backend of the season. I didn't anticipate that was the last good form we are ever likely to see out of them. The young blokes have come on in leaps and bounds, but the old heads in the forwards haven't provided the platform. The halves started the year terribly as a result of the sh*t offseason. In the last 3 weeks there has been massive improvement, partly as a result of hitting rock bottom and the entire club being forced to take a good look at itself.
We've cleaned out a lot of sh*t for next year and brought up a lot of youngsters. Hopefully O'Meley and Mason follow Soliola and co and piss off. Next year should be a huge improvement. Pearce, Anasta, Minichiello, SKD, Perrett, Cherrington, Friend, Paea are players good enough to win a comp in the next few years.