Melbourne Storm legend and current Queensland coach Billy Slater believes the Sydney Roosters are still a premiership threat despite several recent injuries.

Speaking on his own podcast, Slater said the Roosters could go all the way with new halfback Sandon Smith.

“If they get it right they can still beat anyone on their day,” Slater said.

“There’s no Sam Walker and Brandon Smith but they still bring quality into the team.

“Sandon Smith is not a reserve grader, he’s a first grade footballer and he played really well on the weekend and Connor Watson is an Origin player.

“It’s not like they are replacing these stars with reserve graders… they are ready to go.”

The Roosters play Penrith in the first week of the finals.