Here's 205 reasons why DCE will make Teddy's life easier

Leadership comes in many forms and at the Sydney Roosters in 2026 it comes in the form of two men who between them have captained 322 NRL games and boast three premiership rings.

Having led the Roosters 117 times since taking the reins in 2021, James Tedesco is the foundation club's third longest serving captain behind Brad Fittler (199 games) and Jake Friend (121 games).

The 33-year-old is widely regarded as one of the game's finest leaders, having also captained NSW to Origin glory and the Kangaroos to victory at the 2022 World Cup.

Also on hand to offer guidance and guile in 2026 is one Daly Cherry-Evans, a man with 352 games to his name at Manly, including 205 as captain.

A veteran of 21 Tests and 26 Origins, Cherry-Evans will turn 37 before the NRL season kicks off but he remains as fit and focused as he was when he helped Manly to a premiership in his debut season in 2011.

"Daly has been awesome with his professionalism and his leadership," Tedesco said.

"He just works hard and for someone of his age and his experience to come into a new environment and just get to work and look to adjust to our playing style, he has done that really well so far.

"It takes a lot of pressure off me to be the main voice, the way he is able to get a message across very calmly and clearly to the team is something we have all noticed."

Roosters fans have fond memories of another champion No.7, Cooper Cronk, arriving at the club in 2018 with a glittering CV and a desire to ice his career with another premiership.

The decision to recruit then 34-year-old Cronk proved to be a masterstroke, with the Maroons maestro delivering back-to-back premierships to Bondi before hanging up the boots at the end of 2019.

Comparisons between Cronk and DCE are inevitable and will continue throughout the season, particularly if the Roosters can make the finals and mount a challenge for a title.

"The thing you notice with halfbacks who have played for a long time is their communication and their clarity in the way they talk to the team," Tedesco said.

"The leadership and experience they offer brings a lot of value to the team.

"Daly has already had a lot of conversations with Sam [Walker], who is enjoying having 'Cherry' there to bounce questions off about different ways to play footy.

"The experiences Cherry has gone through, passing that down to Sam is only going to make us a better team."

Another man Tedesco expects to make a huge impression in 2026 is former Cowboy Reece Robson, who has joined the club on a four-year deal.

Having played alongside Robson at Origin level for the Blues, the Roosters skipper knows exactly what the 140-game dummy half brings to the table.

"Reece will add so much value for us, the way he goes about his business, his leadership as well," Tedesco said.

"He has played a lot of big games and represented at the highest level.

"His clear role as a No.9, his service, his defensive movements, his work ethic, that’s going to be crucial for our success."