Coached by Brian Smith and captained by Braith Anasta, they competed in the National Rugby League's 2012 Telstra Premiership.
The Roosters finished the regular season 13th (out of 16), failing to reach the finals for the second consecutive year.
In the Roosters' first trial game of the year they went up against the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground which was attended by around 12,000 fans, the game ended with the Roosters winning 28–16.
In the second trial match they went up against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium which was attended by 7,426 fans, The game ended with the roosters rallying from behind to win 28–24.
They started their 2012 season well against their longtime rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with a comeback with the clock showing two and a half minutes.