Why the Sydney Roosters should be thanking Bryan Fletcher and The Footy Show
'Max is a genuine junior, and that makes me proud. Bondi often gets a bad rap, but people forget what it was like compared to what it is now – a lot of knockabouts have done well.'
Fletcher praised Scots College for nurturing six Roosters players, and said he attended the more modest Christian Brothers Bondi, 'where three blokes rocked up to a recent reunion wearing ankle bracelets'.
McCathie, Billy Smith, who is good friends with McCathie's older brother, Jack, Siua Wong, Angus Crichton, Blake Steep and Hugo Savala all attended Scots.
Hamish revealed McCathie also loved rugby, played with Scots First XV, and was with the First XV Colts at Easts. Hamish spent time as director of rugby at Easts, and also featured in first grade as a fullback.
'I'm a Rooster through and through, grew up in the eastern suburbs, and was coached by Russell Fairfax at Easts – Russell actually dropped me from first grade to second grade,' Hamish said.
Two busloads of friends and family will make the short journey from Easts Rugby Club to Allianz Stadium for McCathie's milestone game. McCathie, the NSW Cup captain – and the club's 2023 Jersey Flegg player of the year – has already requested more than 150 tickets.
The match will double as the 50-year reunion for the 1975 premiership Roosters team.
Roosters utility Connor Watson was glad the Roosters' production line was continuing – McCathie and Rodwell will take the number of NRL debuts to eight at the Bondi Junction club – and said of the pair: 'Max is a lifelong Chooks fans he's a proper diehard – he was in the Tricolours Syndicate [fan club]. For him, this is living out a childhood dream.
'Tommy came to the club this year, and the way he trained in the pre-season, he did such a good job. His back-field carries, he's a bit like Brian [To'o] with the nuggetty, shorter build, but the work he gets through is so impressive.
'Both boys play the game the way we want – they leave everything out there and go after it. I'm excited for them both.'
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The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Knights opt for new set of halves against Panthers side on eight-game winning run
JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come. JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come. JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come. JAKE Arthur will make his first NRL appearance for Newcastle after being named to start in the halves against defending-premiers Penrith on Friday. Arthur, 22, only joined Newcastle five weeks ago from Manly but has won a call-up to the first-grade side after three NSW Cup appearances. He was a late withdrawal from the reserve-grade side's match in Sydney on Sunday, on a weekend when the NRL team had a bye. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has named Arthur at five-eighth for the 6pm match at McDonald Jones Stadium, alongside halfback Jack Cogger. Tyson Gamble, who started at five-eighth in Newcastle's loss to Canberra before the bye, has been dropped to 18th man. In other changes, rookie forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana has been named to play his fourth NRL game and first since round 16, winning a spot on the bench. Tom Cant has also been recalled for an interchange spot. O'Brien has opted for four forwards on the bench, which also includes Mat Croker and Tyson Frizell. Jack Hetherington has been dropped. Jackson Hastings, who had featured in the halves before being dumped to the bench last game, is in the extended match squad along with Kyle McCarthy, Hetherington and Matt Arthur, Jake's younger brother. Jake's sole NRL appearance this year came for Manly in round 12. He has played 29 NRL games overall, 22 of them for his debut club Parramatta across 2021-23. The Rouse Hill Rhinos junior, the son of former Eels coach Brad Arthur, faces a potential baptism of fire against Penrith, given they are on an eight-game winning streak. The Panthers will be without injured skipper Isaah Yeo, but they've won every game since losing to Newcastle in May The Knights' 25-6 victory at Bathurst in round 12, their first win over Penrith since 2018, came when the four-time reigning champions were without more than 1100 games of combined NRL experience. Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards were all on Origin duty, while experienced forwards Isaiah Papali'i and Luke Garner were also unavailable. But all but Yeo, who is nursing a shoulder injury, have been named to feature this time round. "We've had some good run-ins over the last couple of years," Knights forward Mat Croker said on Tuesday. "They got us by a field goal a few years ago, [and] Nathan scored a match-winner maybe last year. "We've always had good run-ins with them. "They're on a bit of a hot streak at the moment. I know they didn't have a great second half last week but still managed to get the job done. "There will be a big crowd there on Friday, and [we are] ready for the challenge." Newcastle's breakthrough win over Penrith this year came after some close contests in recent seasons. Since a 42-6 hammering in 2022, the Knights have lost to Penrith 16-15 in golden-point extra time and 20-12 in 2023, and 26-18 and 22-14 last year. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary sealed victory with a try of his own late last season at Penrith, while he memorably kicked two field goals to snatch the 16-15 win in Newcastle. "It's pretty special when you get to come up against the elite of the elite, and I think that's what everyone tries to relish in ... the fact you want to try and beat them teams and those players," Croker said of Penrith. "We'll take that challenge head on, and are pretty excited for it." But as undermanned as Penrith were earlier this season, as O'Brien was at pains to point out after the win, Newcastle were also missing skipper Kalyn Ponga, starting front-rowers Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, and their left centre-wing combination of Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew. Fletcher Sharpe ran riot playing fullback in place of Ponga, Gamble set up three tries and back-rower Dylan Lucas scored a hat-trick. This week, the Knights will be without at least Ponga, Sharpe and Lucas, while Best has been named to return from a knee injury after missing the side's 44-18 loss to Canberra. Penrith dropped to dead last after losing to Newcastle in May, but after eight consecutive wins they have rocketed into fifth position on the NRL ladder, just a single competition point behind the fourth-placed Warriors. They scored a controversial win over Gold Coast on Saturday, blowing a 24-0 lead as the Titans scored five tries in the second half to take a 26-24 advantage in the 73rd minute, before Clearly kicked a two-point field goal to draw level in dying stages. Blaize Talagi's runaway try secured the win two minutes into golden-point extra time. Since beating Penrith, Newcastle have won just two of eight games, improving only one position to 14th. With five games left to play, only a better points differential is keeping Newcastle (-116) above 15th-placed Parramatta (-153), while the Gold Coast (-153) and South Sydney (-197) are both two points, or a win, behind on the bottom rungs of the ladder. Those two sides play each other this weekend, while the Rabbitohs are the only side in the bottom four who have a bye to come.
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Turbo back at No.1 for Manly as Souths get boost
Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Roosters leapfrog Sea Eagles on NRL ladder after gritty win
Loading Latest posts Report: Roosters' season has a pulse with vital win over Manly The Sydney Roosters' NRL season has a pulse after Sam Walker inspired a 20-4 defeat of Manly that puts a big dent in the Sea Eagles' finals hopes. The Roosters could've all but kissed their top-eight dream goodbye with a loss at wet and wild Brookvale Oval on Saturday night, having dropped three of their previous four matches. But in a duel against Manly veteran Daly Cherry-Evans, his probable halves partner next year, No.7 Walker breathed life into his side's season by playing a hand in all three Roosters tries. Captain courageous James Tedesco set the tone for the Roosters' best defensive performance of the year with two try-saving tackles on the right edge while the game was in the balance. The Roosters have now leapfrogged Manly into ninth on the ladder, a win out of the top eight and seemingly locked in a three-way battle with the Sea Eagles and Dolphins for eighth place. The loss may come back to haunt Manly given it keeps their rivals in the hunt and leaves them likely needing to win at least two of their tough clashes against the Dolphins, Warriors and Canberra. Manly enjoyed the bulk of early chances but had only one try to show for it as Tom Trbojevic, playing fullback during Lehi Hopoate's head injury assessment, swung left to put Tolu Koula over. Hopoate returned but was shifted to the wing late in the game with Trbojevic slotting into fullback after weeks of debate as to how Manly should best use the former Dally M Medallist. Terrible conditions played their part as Trbojevic spilt the ball into the hands of Queensland star Robert Toia, whose charge upfield swung momentum dramatically into the Roosters' favour. On the back of that Toia line break late in the first half, Walker found Billy Smith with a grubber kick for the Roosters' first try and the visitors were over again in the next set. Tedesco belted through the middle past Jake Trbojevic and Tof Sipley and found Walker, who slipped over but regained his footing and kicked left to a diving Daniel Tupou. Loading The veteran winger managed an offload for Angus Crichton to score one of the season's great team tries. It was a three-score game when a Walker kick was allowed to bounce into the arms of Egan Butcher at close range early in the second half. Manly's Ben Trbojevic suffered a game-ending concussion when clashing heads with teammate Luke Brooks, playing his 250th game. He will miss next week's clash with ladder-leading Canberra and could be joined on the sidelines by Jake Simpkin after the back-up hooker left for a late head injury assessment following a tackle on Siua Wong. AAP yesterday 9.29pm Roosters keep their season alive This is a huge result for the Roosters. By beating Manly, they also leapfrog them into ninth spot on the ladder. Their play-off hopes remain alive. There were two critical factors behind the outcome; Sam Walker's kicking game and the Roosters defence. It's all about playing to the conditions and Trent Robinson's men did just that. They actually had to do more defence in their red zone, but only let in the one try. And while they had less opportunities, the visitors took the ones presented to them. Walker had a hand - or foot - in all three tries. After outpointing Daly Cherry-Evans, the expectation is that they will pair up in the halves next year. Full-time: Roosters 20 defeat Sea Eagles 4 And that's the full-time siren. Great performance from the Roosters, they were the much better team after withstanding an early onslaught. The race for those last couple of spots in the eight remains wide open. yesterday 9.21pm What does a DCE-Walker combo look like next year? With the game seemingly out of Manly's reach, we turn our attention to some of the key takeaways from the action we have seen so far. Sam Walker has been the best player on the field, a masterclass in just his fourth game back from injury. While there is no official announcement, we are all expecting that Daly Cherry-Evans will join him at the Roosters scrumbase. Who will be the dominant half? Will the pair gel as well as Hugo Savala is with Walker at the moment? yesterday 9.08pm Roosters defence has been superb As expected given the conditions, there has been a slew of errors as fatigue sets in. The big difference between the teams has been the defence. I've already mentioned the try-savers from James Tedesco, but the line speed of the Roosters has been outstanding. A lot of the Manly errors are the result of having the defence sprint off the line and apply pressure. The game is getting sloppy as we head into the last 15 minutes. yesterday 8.54pm Roosters score again to break game open In just his fourth game but from injury, Sam Walker has produced another try assist. The Sea Eagles couldn't defuse his bomb - Mark Nawaqanitawase came up with the tap-back - and Egan Butcher has come up with the spoils. Walker converts and this has now become a massive assignment for Manly. Roosters lead 20-4 after 13 minutes. yesterday 8.51pm Roosters go further in front The Roosters have been gifted another penalty, this time from right in front of the posts. Sam Walker elected to kick for goal and made no mistake. I reckon that's the right call in these conditions, which have deteriorated since the second half began. There are now big puddles in parts of the field. I reckon we are going to see a lot of dropped ball. We've just had an official crowd number, 12,478. Every one of them deserves a medal for coming out in this weather. Here's the most important number. yesterday 8.44pm Second half is under way The rain has just started to come down again just as play resumed. In fact, it has just become hail. Poor start from Manly, who have conceded an early penalty. I feel so sorry for the punters on the hill, they are totally exposed. There's even talk of lightning nearby. yesterday 8.34pm Incredible late turnaround from the Roosters You look at the numbers, and the Roosters have no right to be leading at half-time. The Sea Eagles were leading just about every stat at the 30-minute mark, but had only one try to show for all of their advantages. And then it was all the Roosters in the last 10 minutes, who just about evened up possession (49 per cent) by the time they went into the sheds. James Tedesco produced a couple of try-savers on his line that could prove crucial. And then there was that Angus Crichton try, as good as anything you could hope to witness in wet conditions. Manly will now have to run into a very stiff breeze if they are to win this. Both teams have their season on the line, a big 40 minutes coming up. yesterday 8.28pm Half-time: Roosters lead Manly 12-4 The half-time buzzer has sounded, just as the rain begins coming down sideways. It was also a downpour of points late in the half late from the Roosters, who scored two late tries.
