Roosters Junior Reps Grand Final Teamlist | 3rd May, 2025

[top_joe]

Need some help - don't get the chance to watch or follow the youngsters other than what is posted here. Without lumping pressure on him - is Rodwell Sammy Walker good, ceiling possibly higher/lower? Could he be better than say someone like Mitch Moses?

[Thirteen]

Need some help - don't get the chance to watch or follow the youngsters other than what is posted here. Without lumping pressure on him - is Rodwell Sammy Walker good, ceiling possibly higher/lower? Could he be better than say someone like Mitch Moses?

I was at the GF on Saturday and I can tell you I have never been more impressed with a young player. He was sensational. As first when I saw him I thought damb he’s too small, but then I saw him play. WOW!

[Rooster_6]

Need some help - don't get the chance to watch or follow the youngsters other than what is posted here. Without lumping pressure on him - is Rodwell Sammy Walker good, ceiling possibly higher/lower? Could he be better than say someone like Mitch Moses?

I think it's a lot easier to tell with creative players like Sam Walker how good they are going to be very early on.

Where as Rodwell is more of a natural halfback, don't get me wrong he's got some good skills and physical attributes such as exceptional footwork, good acceleration, great vision, a natural big boot and a good left and right spiral. But so much about being a successful halfback in the NRL is around the mental ability of a player and that's that is so hard to judge just watching from the outside.

On raw talent alone I've said a couple times on here he's I think he's the most impressive half I've seen in my time watching the Roosters pathways teams (Walker obviously not being apart of that) but there's no guarantees. I remember being super impressed by Jackson Hastings in the Dragons junior teams, he was as dominant as I've ever seen any young half. But temperament, composure, emotional intelligence and desire often end up being far more important attributes than talent especially when it comes to halfback play.

[top_joe]

I think it's a lot easier to tell with creative players like Sam Walker how good they are going to be very early on.

Where as Rodwell is more of a natural halfback, don't get me wrong he's got some good skills and physical attributes such as exceptional footwork, good acceleration, great vision, a natural big boot and a good left and right spiral. But so much about being a successful halfback in the NRL is around the mental ability of a player and that's that is so hard to judge just watching from the outside.

On raw talent alone I've said a couple times on here he's I think he's the most impressive half I've seen in my time watching the Roosters pathways teams (Walker obviously not being apart of that) but there's no guarantees. I remember being super impressed by Jackson Hastings in the Dragons junior teams, he was as dominant as I've ever seen any young half. But temperament, composure, emotional intelligence and desire often end up being far more important attributes than talent especially when it comes to halfback play.

Much appreciated, thanks for that.

[King Salvo]

Darcy Smith, Lachlan Dooner (injured and missed the last 2 games), James Finegan, son of Wallaby Owen Finnegan, Joseph Fesolai, Eddy Cayless, son of Nathan Cayless, to name a few ones to also watch.

People get too wrapped up in one player being the bees' knees and forget it's a team game - all the squad play their role and others also have the potential to be NRL players.

Junior Reps are short seasons - 8 or 9 games and finals. Things can change when playing a full comp, as Jersey Flegg is the next step up from SG Ball and a full comp and priorities can also change as there is no guarantee of earning the big bucks playing league - so they need to secure a profession outside of footy - whether Uni or TAFE Courses.

There are also a lot of Women players in the Roosters Junior reps system that have the ability to progress to NRLW.

The Roosters need to continually invest in junior reps, leagues and their academies -i.e A Sydney Roosters Lisa Fiaola Cup side again, as they had one in 2024, plus a Central Coast Tarsha Gale Cup side as well.

Central Coast will have their own SG Ball team in 2026.

[Thirteen]

Darcy Smith, Lachlan Dooner (injured and missed the last 2 games), James Finegan, son of Wallaby Owen Finnegan, Joseph Fesolai, Eddy Cayless, son of Nathan Cayless, to name a few ones to also watch.

People get too wrapped up in one player being the bees' knees and forget it's a team game - all the squad play their role and others also have the potential to be NRL players.

Junior Reps are short seasons - 8 or 9 games and finals. Things can change when playing a full comp, as Jersey Flegg is the next step up from SG Ball and a full comp and priorities can also change as there is no guarantee of earning the big bucks playing league - so they need to secure a profession outside of footy - whether Uni or TAFE Courses.

There are also a lot of Women players in the Roosters Junior reps system that have the ability to progress to NRLW.

The Roosters need to continually invest in junior reps, leagues and their academies -i.e A Sydney Roosters Lisa Fiaola Cup side again, as they had one in 2024, plus a Central Coast Tarsha Gale Cup side as well.

Central Coast will have their own SG Ball team in 2026.

I’d like to add winger Michael Nasser (I hope I got the name right) to your list. He was impressive in the GF.

Carter Mareko and Charlie Webb are another two to keep an eye on from Harold Mats.

Exciting times.

[Lydon]

I was at the GF on Saturday and I can tell you I have never been more impressed with a young player. He was sensational. As first when I saw him I thought damb he’s too small, but then I saw him play. WOW!

Rodwell is the real deal..