'Defend the coop': Sergis backs recruits to be up for title defence

They’ve lost seven players from last season’s grand final victory but superstar centre Jess Sergis says there is a case to suggest the Roosters are even stronger ahead of their premiership defence.

The Tricolours have lost some big names from their successful 2021 campaign with club captain Corban Baxter among those not available after announcing her pregnancy in June.

NSW Origin stars Hannah Southwell and Yasmin Clydsdale have joined Newcastle while another three – Tayla Predebon, Simone Karpani and Olivia Higgins.

However, the Roosters have responded with their own recruitment drive, picking up Titans stars Destiny Brill and Shaniah Power, former Knight Jayme Fressard and returning veteran Sam Bremner.

The addition of Bremner in particular has Sergis confident the side will hit the ground running in their season opener against the Eels on August 20.

“We’ve had a few girls leave and have a relatively new squad but in saying that we’ve got good gains and I think we can be stronger,” Sergis told NRL.com.

“Having Sammy around, even in Origin camp, was amazing. She’s fitter than all of us and she’s hardly played this year. Her leadership will be great and I’m excited to play with her again.

“Destiny Brill is also a young player I’m looking forward to playing with. She’s a very powerful athlete and I think she’ll add a lot for us in the middle.

“The Roosters pathways are also bringing a few girls through. We saw Jada Taylor’s potential in the under 19s Origin game and I think being surrounded by the older girls and having the facilities available at the club is going to grow her not only as a player but an individual.”

Sergis has taken Tamworth product Taylor under her wing and expects her to make her NRLW debut at some point this season.

“She’s very humble and doesn’t let it worry her, it could be a good or bad thing [that we’re hanging out], I might be a bad influence on her.

“But that’s the best thing an 18-year-old can have, that environment of professionalism. We didn’t have it growing up but I think it’s special she can have that opportunity.”

The Roosters will go into the new season as the hunted after claiming their first title in April and Sergis had a simple message when asked how it felt to be defending the trophy for the first time.

“Bring it on… we’re defending the coop, as the girls say,” she said.