Back-To-Back Champs: A Look Back on the 2019 NRL Premiership

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Tue 31 May 2022, 09:32 AM

Looking to re-write history, the 2019 Sydney Roosters became the first team in over a quarter of a century to claim back-to-back titles in a memorable, thrilling season.

The additions of tearaway second rower Angus Crichton and veteran winger Brett Morris were welcomed as the Roosters began the year in strong form, taking out their second consecutive World Club Challenge and winning eight of the opening nine rounds.

Roosters Review 2019 Grand Final

Injuries to captains Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner contributed to a mid-season slump, but the side recovered to record a seven-match winning streak heading into the final round.

A loss to arch-rivals South Sydney in Round 25 mattered little, especially with several players rested as a dominant 30-6 win the following week against the Rabbitohs saw the side earn a well-deserved week off.

One of the most tightly fought Preliminary Finals at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground followed as the Tricolours defeated the Melbourne Storm in the 2018 Grand Final rematch, as they progressed to their second consecutive decider, becoming the first Easts side to do so since 2003-2004.

The Roosters then faced the Canberra Raiders in the Grand Final, with the Red, White and Blue triumphing 14-8 in a dramatic contest that saw Dally M Medallist James Tedesco score the match-winning try.

Clinching the Club’s 15th Premiership, the 2019 Roosters became the first side to go back-to-back in a united competition in over a quarter of a century.

Sydney Roosters 14 (Sam Verrills, James Tedesco tries; Latrell Mitchell 2 goals; Latrell Mitchell penalty goal) def Canberra Raiders 8

2019 Season Highlights

James Tedesco Awarded Jack Gibson Medal

Grand Final - Grand Final - Sunday 6 Oct

Full Time

Roosters

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Latrell Mitchell

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Joseph Leilua
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Brett Morris

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Cooper Cronk

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Aidan Sezer

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Isaac Liu

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Iosia Soliola
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Boyd Cordner

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 John Bateman
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Mitchell Aubusson

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Joseph Tapine

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Angus Crichton

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Bailey Simonsson
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Siosiua Taukeiaho

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Corey Horsburgh
Interchange for Roosters is number 20 Jake Friend

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Dunamis Lui