Billy Slater uncovers key rebuild elements that have ‘silenced critics’ following high-profile NRL departures.

Billy Slater has expressed high praise for the Sydney Roosters, noting how the club has deftly navigated numerous significant roster changes and injuries this season. Defying critics, they currently sit just outside the top eight while integrating a number of young rookies.

After a rocky beginning which saw them concede 50 points in their round one home clash against the Broncos, the Bondi-based team has turned their fortunes around.

From their nine matches to date, the Roosters have secured four wins and sustained five losses, with their recent display against the Dolphins sending a strong message to their competitors.

Among the matches they lost was a closely contested six-point game in challenging Auckland weather against the in-form Warriors, as well as a tight clash against local rivals South Sydney.

However, looking beyond the outcomes, it’s the influx of fresh young talent making its presence felt in 2025 that stands out.

A significant overhaul of the roster for Trent Robinson’s team has been well-documented, with premiership winners Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke Keary departing.

Also notable was the exit of star outside backs Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii, both transitioning to rugby union at the end of last year.

While the Roosters undoubtedly aimed to retain the two Josephs, their departure has opened doors for some of the club’s most promising young stars, allowing them to seize their chances, much to Slater’s admiration post-Magic Round.

“The young bloke who really stood out for me was Rob Toia,” he shared on Nine’s Billy Slater Podcast.

“The young Queenslander would have had friends and family cheering him on. It was a true breakout match for him — he’s been doing all the right things off the field, and I’ve been keeping an eye on him — he’s a real threat when he has the ball in good areas.”

“He’s got a bright future ahead in the game and the team is doing very well.”

Toia has garnered significant praise through the lower grades, and at just 20 years old, with a limited number of games under his belt, he already appears to be a future Origin star.

Slater was also impressed with rookie halfback Hugo Savala, who joined the squad following Sam Walker’s ongoing injury and Chad Townsend’s disappointing start at the Roosters.

“While he’s not a superstar halfback, that’s not their requirement at the moment,” Slater remarked. “What they need is a solid kicking game, a steady influence, and strong defence — that’s exactly what Hugo is providing right now.”

Savala and Toia represent just two of a growing roster of relative unknowns who have kept the Roosters competitive in the NRL over the past nine rounds.

Naufahu Whyte has stepped up as a front-row leader following Waerea-Hargreaves’ exit and Lindsay Collins’ absence.

On the flanks, Mark Nawaqanitawase has swiftly entered into Origin discussions after pushing highly paid England international Dom Young to the reserves.

Bench forwards Salesi Foketi and Blake Steep have also made significant contributions, possibly easing the burden on coach Robinson after allowing both Terrell May and Sitili Tupouniua to leave with time remaining on their contracts.

“What the Roosters have managed in the past few weeks is impressive… they’ve shifted the narrative away from their losses,” Slater noted.

“They’ve made everyone take notice of who remains on the field.

“Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Blake Steep – these up-and-coming stars are starting to cement their names in the NRL.”

“After round one, there were concerns about whether they would secure any victories given how many players they had lost.”

“Trent Robinson and James Tedesco are at the helm, guiding this young squad.”

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The Roosters aren’t the only club this season to have experienced significant changes, yet managed to tap into quality youth talent.

The Canberra Raiders have emerged as serious premiership contenders despite parting ways with veterans Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana in the off-season.

In their stead, English recruit Matty Nicholson has made a name for himself in the back-row, while Savelio Tamale has left Dragons fans questioning how he was ever allowed to slip through their fingers and succeed in Canberra.

Meanwhile, in Townsville, the Cowboys, who have lost premiership heroes Kyle Feldt and Valentine Holmes from their backline, remain perched comfortably within the top eight.

Robert Derby is increasingly finding his feet on the wing, showcasing promise, while young Jaxon Purdue – despite playing out of his usual position – is being touted as a potential bolter for the centres for the Maroons later this month.

Wests Tigers fans and management were understandably distressed to lose Stefano Utoikamanu, deemed one of the best young forwards in the game. However, Fonua Pole, Sione Fainu, and Terrell May have stepped up remarkably in the front-row rotation.

Although not a rookie, few could have predicted the standout performances Erin Clark would deliver this year for the Warriors, seamlessly filling the gap left by Tohu Harris, who retired due to injury.

Even emerging talents like Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan are beginning to shine for St George Illawarra post the turbulent exit of international prop Francis Molo.

Teenager Lykhan King-Togia has also shown flashes of talent, potentially positioning himself as a long-term successor for former captain Ben Hunt.

South Sydney’s decision to part ways with Lachlan Ilias, once thought to be a future star in the No.7 jersey, has led to a fortunate find in Jamie Humphreys, who had a brilliant start to the year before injury curtailed his progress.

This season illustrates the importance of refreshing an NRL roster periodically, even if it brings some immediate discomfort for the promise of future success.

As expansion talks continue with the prospect of new teams in Perth and PNG on the horizon, there’s a wealth of talented players ready and waiting for their opportunity.