NRLW Roosters squad analysis and best 17

The Roosters won their first NRLW Premiership last season after twice previously finishing as runners-up, and having retained most of their winning squad for 2022 they'll again be among the favourites to go all the way. 

Fourteen of the players who helped win the Premiership last season are back on the deck for the Tricolours, along with head coach John Strange, marking the first time the Roosters have had a coach stay on for consecutive seasons. 

While the first-choice squad is experienced, the Roosters will have to call upon a bunch of new players if injuries or suspensions strike, with six potential NRLW debutantes in their group. 

The loss of the experienced Corban Baxter to pregnancy is somewhat offset by the Roosters gaining the services Sam Bremner, who returns from a couple of years off due to pregnancy herself. 

Possible best 17

1. Sam Bremner, 2. Jayme Fressard, 3. Jessica Sergis, 4. Isabelle Kelly, 5. Leianne Tufuga, 6. Zahara Temara, 7. Raecene McGregor, 8. Mya Hill-Moana, 9. Destiny Brill, 10. Sarah Togatuki, 11. Olivia Kernick, 12. Shaniah Power, 13. Keilee Joseph, 14. Jocelyn Kelleher, 15. Otesa Pule, 16. Kalosipani Hopoate, 17. Shawden Burton. 

Biggest strength

The backline is packed with players who boast experience at NRLW and representative level, headed up by three-time Premiership winner and Kiwi Ferns playmaker Raecene McGregor. 

McGregor will likely be joined in the halves by her Māori All Stars teammate Zahara Temara, who is the last remaining foundation Roosters NRLW player. Between them the pair have 36 NRLW appearances and will form a formidable partnership. 

Experienced New South Wales and Australia players Isabelle Kelly and Jessica Sergis - who each scored six tries last year - will again team up in the centres, while Bremner will be the frontrunner for the fullback role. 

Bremner previously represented the Jillaroos on six occasions and earned seven caps for New South Wales.

Outside of the veteran group, keep an eye out for exciting fullback/half Jada Taylor who rose to fame with her stunning 109-metre try for the NSW U-19 side earlier this year. 

Biggest question mark

How will they go backing up as Premiers? The Broncos managed to do it with much success across the first three seasons of the competition, but there is no doubting that every team will be after the Tricolours in 2022.

With expectations sure to be high, it will be up to the club's experienced players to guide the group through uncharted waters.

Draw snapshot

A Grand Final rematch against the Dragons at Leichhardt Oval awaits in round 3, in what will be one of the most-anticipated matches of the 2022 regular season. 

Prior to that the Roosters open the season against the Eels, who they beat 19-18 earlier this year, before facing three-time Premiership winners Brisbane, who they lost to in the regular season before beating in the finals.

The Roosters then take on the Knights and finish with the Titans, who finished a place ahead of them in the 2021 regular season. 

The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets