With a number of strong contenders in a series of different categories this upcoming season, let's go through the Roosters who man their respective positions starting with the wing.
THE SPECIALISTS
BRETT MORRIS
In his second season with the Roosters, Brett Morris was simply outstanding.
He led the way for the Roosters in 2020 for tries scored, while also tallying the most Fan Voted Man Of The Match honours in the process.
His 2020 campaign insinuated that Morris has a lot left in the take, which makes 2021 an exciting prospect for the veteran specialist winger.
Don't be surprised if he pops up at fullback or in the centres throughout the season as well.
Brett Morris 2020 Tries
DANIEL TUPOU
The longest serving member of the Roosters backline, Veteran winger Daniel Tupou enters 2021 on the back of a brilliant 2020 campaign.
His aerial skills were as good as they've ever been, while offering up some razzle dazzle football at the same time.
Tupou is beloved by the Roosters community, and consistently heavily praised by teammates and coaching staff alike.
Now in his 10th season at the Club, Tupou will look to continue his fine form and potentially enter the top three for all time Roosters try scorers.
Air Toops | Try of the Week
MATT IKUVALU
While Matt Ikuvalu played a large amount of his NSW Cup football in the centres, he's played every NRL game on the wing.
Ikuvalu was a standout for the Roosters in 2020, offering a number of solid performances in the first grade arena and even breaking a few records in the process.
He was called in late to line-up in the Round 1 squad and went on to finish second in Fan Voted Man Of The Match votes.
When he returned to the line-up in Round 9 with just 30 minutes warning, he scored an incredible five tries filling in for Brett Morris on the wing and went on to retain his spot in the line-up for six consecutive games.
MusclePharm Moment | Round 9
THE COVER
BILLY SMITH
Recently removed from the injury list, Billy Smith returns in 2021 fully fit and ready to continue his career as an aspiring rugby league first grader.
While Smith's preferred position is at centre, his two NRL appearances saw him play both centre and wing respectively.
He didn't look out of place for a moment on the wing and will likely train in both positions throughout the Roosters 2021 campaign.
Smith adds a great deal of diversity to the backline and will push for an opportunity this season.
Behind The Scenes | Billy Smith Debut
JOSH MORRIS
While Josh Morris has spent the vast majority of his career playing in the centres, he entered the league as a full time winger.
From 2009 onwards he was known as a centre, but remained adaptable with the Cronulla Sharks in 2019 and slotted back to the wing position when it was required.
Though it's unlikely that Morris will be named on the wing this season, there's comfort in knowing that he can do so if it's called for.
Josh Morris | 300 Games of Brilliance
JOSEPH MANU
Though Manu is undoubtedly a centre, his reliability in the backline has always been a strong-point throughout his career so far.
His first NRL appearance was on the wing, while recent years has seen the gun centre shine in the fullback position when James Tedesco is unavailable for selection.
Manu is a likely suitor to shuffle to the wing if line-up changes are required throughout a match.
Not only can he take on the roll, he can thrive in any given situation.
Steggles Try Of The Year 2020
JOSEPH SUAALII
Yet to make his NRL debut, Joseph Suaalii joins the Roosters in 2021 as an exciting young prospect in the Roosters backline.
Well known for his ability as a fullback, Suaalii will be an adaptable member of the backline at fullback, centre or wing when the time comes to make his NRL debut.
