If there was any doubt about the Sydney Roosters' ability to defend their National Rugby League title, it was dispelled in ruthless fashion on Friday night.

The premiers kicked off the 2003 season the way they ended 2002 - with a devastating defensive performance culminating in an impressive victory over quality opposition.

Last October it was the New Zealand Warriors, on Friday night it was Parramatta.

The opposition had changed, but not much else had as the Roosters won 32-14 before 24,172 fans at Aussie Stadium.

Parramatta coach Brian Smith left the ground a believer, warning afterwards that the Roosters had raised the bar even higher from last season, when they won nine straight games on their way to the premiership.

"The two teams that played here tonight were obviously pumped and put on a display of intensity that I'm not sure I have ever seen before," Smith said.

"It was absolutely incredible and the Roosters shaded us in that department. They were more intense than even they were at the back end of last year.

"I thought our players did a reasonable job of matching them but in the end the Roosters showed us where we need to get to.

"Not far from where we are now, but there was a distinct difference."

Adrian Morley set the standard in the frenetic opening seconds, launching himself at Nathan Hindmarsh, who was helped off the field 37 minutes later with ankle ligament damage.

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