The Sydney Roosters are entering the 2026 NRL season with a renewed sense of purpose, and according to captain James Tedesco, their biggest advantage might not be on the playing roster at all.
Tedesco has revealed that former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who has joined the Roosters’ coaching staff as a forwards specialist, is already making a significant impact on the squad. Cheika brings a wealth of international experience, having coached Australia, Argentina, and Lebanon in rugby union and league, and is now applying his expertise to the Roosters’ attack and defence systems.
“He’s running the defensive part with the middle forwards, and the attack and defence (in the forwards),” Tedesco told SEN. “He’s obviously had a lot of experience internationally coaching rugby and different teams, but I think his involvement will definitely be motivational. His motivation and intensity, especially in tackling and wrestling, has been a real highlight. That’s going to show its teeth soon really, I think.”
Cheika’s influence comes at a pivotal time as the Roosters revamp their spine with the arrivals of Reece Robson and Daly Cherry-Evans. Tedesco praised the leadership both recruits bring, describing them as a major boost to the team’s communication and on-field control.
“They’re going to be unreal,” he said. “Cherry’s been a captain and leader for a long time now… and then Reece at nine, touching the ball every tackle, he’s got to be in control of that. Their clear communication and leadership’s been a real highlight and a benefit for me.”
This combination of experienced coaching and high-profile recruits is part of a broader effort to maintain a positive, motivated team culture. Tedesco notes the team’s training environment has already improved dramatically from previous seasons.
“Everyone’s coming to training and they actually want to train, which is a big change from how we used to be,” he said. “Our mindset altogether was just pretty negative over the last couple of years. The group’s probably been more connected than it’s ever been. The mood’s been really good, really positive.”
As the 2026 season approaches, the Roosters’ blend of Cheika’s tactical expertise, Tedesco’s leadership, and the new-look spine with Cherry-Evans and Robson is shaping up as a potential formula for premiership success. Fans will be watching closely to see if this combination can translate off-field influence into on-field dominance.
