Two rounds to play. Let’s have a look at Sydney Roosters’ future.

What’s their pathway to the finals?

Sydney Roosters play Melbourne and South Sydney. While they could lose both matches, their for and against record should be sufficient to see off any challenge from Brisbane or Canberra.

Who will they most likely play?

Assuming the Roosters win at least one of their two matches, they should hang on to sixth place. Either way, there’s a fair chance they’ll be playing South Sydney two weeks in a row.

Okay, give me some hope…

The Roosters are one of the form teams in the competition. They are starting to get some troops back, and have one of the most potent backlines in the league, as the Tigers found out last week.

Now, the reality check…

It’s incredibly difficult to win the premiership from the bottom half of the top eight. It hasn’t been done since Canterbury ambushed Manly in the 1995 decider.

Who is the key?

James Tedesco. The star fullback has grown into one of the best leaders in the competition following the forced retirement of Boyd Cordner. Tedesco could well be Australian captain by the end of the season.

Predicted finish:

Grand finalists. The Roosters should be able to jag a win over the next fortnight, and can then step up for the finals campaign. A win in the first week could set up a run all the way to the grand final.