Why the Roosters need to finish top four to avoid 'failure'

Following their season-opening loss, Denan Kemp believes that the Sydney Roosters must finish in the top four to avoid failing their high expectations in 2026.

Having brought in star representative players Reece Robson and Daly Cherry-Evans to bolster their spine, there was plenty of hype surrounding the Tricolours and the chances of lifting the Provan-Summons Trophy this year.

But a 42-18 loss against the Warriors in Auckland to begin their season has at least raised some doubts about their true potential.

It’s not unusual for the Roosters to lose their Round 1 clash, having only four times in Trent Robinson’s 14-season reign as coach.   

But as Kemp explains, a poor start to the season makes a premiership push significantly harder if Sydney starts behind the eight-ball, considering the club’s culture.

“The problem with the Roosters is they have got on their jerseys; we win premierships essentially,” Kemp explained on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“They can’t just make the eight. If you’re going to win the comp, you must be in the top four.

“So, anything less than a top four is a failure for them because they’re openly saying, ‘we win premierships’.

“That’s why they can’t afford to start slow. The last few years, you could go, ‘oh, we’re going to have this late blaze all the way into the eight, and then we’ll go on this run’.

“History says you have to be in the top four (to win).”

The Roosters will play their first game in Australia for the 2026 season against South Sydney this Friday at Allianz Stadium.

Kick-off takes place at 8pm AEDT.