Richie Barnett: Sorry, young Roosters, but you're plucked

James Maloney of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Inexperienced pack won't be able to foot it against fast-improving Warriors.

I just can't see the Roosters' pack matching it with the Warriors tomorrow night. I reckon the Warriors forwards are going to put the young Roosters through the wringer.

The Roosters were inept in the hiding they copped at Melbourne last week. Their completion rate was poor, their kicking game was appalling and their attacking game was full of mistakes and dreadful execution. You really have to ask whether the extremely young forward pack has what it takes? The average age is about 22 - it's a pack full of kids.

If the Roosters lose this one it wouldn't surprise me if some of the attention Stephen Kearney has been getting shifts to the Roosters coach, Brian Smith.

The club is apparently out to sign Brett Stewart. That would be a terrific signing. Stewart is the sort of player you can build a team around.

For now, though, things look tough for the Roosters. That's not to say they aren't without a chance. In recent games against the Warriors the Roosters have looked to spread the ball early and catch them out on the edges. Given what we've seen from the Warriors this season, you'd expect them to try the same thing again. If the passes stick, the Roosters can cause teams problems and the Warriors could have their hands full.

The Roosters tend to favour the right and with Shaun Kenny-Dowall back and starting to find some form they will fancy their chances there.

But I still believe the Warriors will dominate up front. Last week against the Storm not a single Roosters forward managed to run for more than 100m.

The Warriors, meanwhile, are looking more confident and comfortable each week. They look like they are coming together as a team. James Maloney has been the steadying influence. He's been rock solid and his kicking game has been superb.

Sam Rapira's return is also a boost. All the props will be on notice. In the past - even last season - Rapira would have known he was a shoo-in for a place in the team. Now with the likes of Sione Lousi and Ukuma Ta'ai coming through he won't be so certain. All the players will know they have to perform to stay in the team.

What you might start to see is that players who previously would have sat out a couple of weeks with an injury will instead be back in a week. No one is going to want to let someone else have a crack at their spot, which is great

This is a very well-balanced Warriors side.

I was surprised at the decision to let Lewis Brown leave for Penrith next year. Brown is an incredibly important cog in any side. He has a great yardage game, an excellent work rate and never takes a backwards step.

I guess that the Warriors have looked at what they've got - and what they have got coming through - and decided they can cover the loss.

It's certainly a big call to let Brown go, but it's brilliant to see the club having such faith in the talent that is coming through.