Training

[ChookMaster]

Or he's he's not dark enough to be JS.

However you prefer

[ism22]

I might be needing new glasses but I don’t recall seeing the Morris twins in the pictures gallery

Brett's the 10th photo down from the top I think.

[Mad_Rabid_Rooster]

I also hope Boyd has a long break. No Origin for you!

Agree about keeping recruit Joseph out of the limelight.

[NorthChook]

I see that Luca Moretti must still be with us (I know a few were asking about him a while back). He was on Freddy Lussick’s Instagram story this morning on their way to training as he was in the full training gear - also a pic of him on his insta training in chooks colours in Dec.

Anyone know more? Going for a development player spot? Jersey flegg? Perhaps even playing for the bears but training with the roosters (as some bears did last year like Bailey).

Looks like he played for Easts rugby last year as well as bears presidents cup - so obviously not on any long term contract.

[NorthChook]

Eden Rogers-Smith now with the tigers

[TheLoneRooster]

Eden Rogers-Smith now with the tigers

Is that a loss NorthChook?

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Eden Rogers-Smith now with the tigers

I see Deitzy and Tom Freebairn have moved on from the Bears too. More opportunities elsewhere with our depth...Maxy B to skipper.

[NorthChook]

Is that a loss NorthChook?

Nah - don't see him playing any more than NSW cup

[NorthChook]

I see Deitzy and Tom Freebairn have moved on from the Bears too. More opportunities elsewhere with our depth...Maxy B to skipper.

Yeah will be interesting mate! Looking forward to being back at NSO

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Yeah will be interesting mate! Looking forward to being back at NSO

Me too mate...nothing like it.

[Rooster90]

I see Deitzy and Tom Freebairn have moved on from the Bears too. More opportunities elsewhere with our depth...Maxy B to skipper.

they only announced a month ago that Freebairn re signed
https://www.northsydneybears.com.au/tom-freebairn/

[Jacks Fur Coat]

they only announced a month ago that Freebairn re signed
https://www.northsydneybears.com.au/tom-freebairn/

Yeah maybe he did a head count of all the backrowers in front of him and seen better opps elsewhere. Same with Deitz and all the 9s and 7s vying for gigs.

[Mickie Lane]

The effort from players returning from injury and the hotly contested battle for the halfback spot are among the main highlights of the Roosters return to pre-season training.

Victor Radley, Sam Verrills and Billy Smith are all on the comeback trial after suffering serious knee injuries that limited their 2020 season.

Roosters Captain Jake Friend has only recently returned to training after having a break before Christmas, but has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the young trio.

“It is awesome to have them actually back in training,” Friend said.

“I’m sure it is really tough for them but it is tough for us as well to watch them train on their own (last year), so you try to get in their ear and cheer them along.

“I’m sure they are stoked to be back and we’re stoked to have them back in the squad.

Training with the boys, I think they are going to keep progressing into more footy.

Sammy and Rads are looking really good, and Bill has been on fire pre-Christmas and post-Christmas.

Nat Butcher echoed Friend’s comments about Radley, Verrills and Smith.

“it was a tough year for them last year, but they are all on track to come back early this year,” Butcher said.

“They are looking great at training, running really well, feeling strong and lifting great in the gym.

“I’m pumped to have them back and playing alongside soon.”

Butcher has been training with the squad since before Christmas and has been impressed with those battling for the halfback position.

There are plenty of options with Sam Walker now eligible to play in the NRL since turning 18 last year, Lachlan Lam and Drew Hutchison played in the halves for the Roosters in 2020, and new recruit Adam Keighran played in the halves during his two seasons at the New Zealand Warriors.

“The squad is looking really good. It is great to have a lot of the younger boys come up,” Butcher said.

“Joseph Suaalii, Adam Keighran has come from the Warriors, and Sam Walker has really stepped up.

“The battle for the half back role has been pretty good. Lammy (Lachlan Lam), Drew (Hutchison) and Sammy (Walker) – they’ve all been shining at training.”

Walker has also caught Friend’s eye in the battle for the halfback role.

The 18-year-old signed for the Roosters in 2019, and Walker is pushing hard to make his NRL debut after being named in the squad of 21 for the Club’s round 15 game against the Tigers in 2020.

“I’ve been impressed with Sam Walker. He has put some good weight on and is looking good, so it will be interesting to see how he goes this year,” Friend said.

Roosters young gun Sam Walker is pushing hard to make his NRL debut.

“Sitili Tupouniua has come in and is looking pretty solid. If he can build on what he did last year, he is going to be a real key for us on that back row spot.”

Tupouniua had a great 2020 season. He started in the backrow in the Roosters’ World Club Challenge win and played 20 out of a possible 22 NRL games.

[Bahrain Rooster]

This is all very encouraging news. For me, Walker shouldn’t be thrown into the NRL for Rd1 and should have at least some time in reserve grade with Lam starting.

[Serenader]

I’m getting the feeling that if Walker holds his own in the trials we may see

7. Walker
14. Lam

He is impressing all the right people by reports