We'll need a new five-eighth.

[Vasco]

No ones yalking about hooker..Watson is capable but not the answer.

Our first choice is out until at least May. Watson is the fill in until then.

[MKCS]

I said about a month or so ago that I don't think Sandon Smith is the answer, he might be a decent second choice 5/8 or a Super League half in my opinion but he isn't going to be the one to lead us to a premiership. Sandon Smith and Chad Townsend actually feels like a NSW Cup or Super League halves combo tbh.

No ones yalking about hooker..Watson is capable but not the answer.

Not talking about it because we know where the future of that position is. Watson will have it until Brandon Smith returns and then Reece Robson will lock down the position in 2026 onwards.

[Qld Chook]

Not at the expense of Toby Rodwell, patience.

Isn't Toby a Halfback? Anyone know how old he is? Roosters have never been a very patient club.

[BTRD]

Watson and B Smith are both utilities.

If Coach Robbo is stating - that it is time to play the academy players and let's go blah blah - then pick an up and coming hooker for gods sake.

And put Watson and Spencer on the bench. Whyte and Collins should start.

[Bates]

Generational player - the supposed player that doesn't come along that often in that particular period of time - ( 2002 - 2017) - mmm can you name other halves around that time - some bloke named Cronk I heard played some games.

Thurston had played 14 or so seasons and close to 270 NRL games by 2015 and you want to equate Sandon's game as a 22 year old who has played only 29 NRL games and mostly from the bench to to an establish players one - not only NRL but QLD (33) and Australia (32( too as well by that stage.

Not sure what you are expecting - please explain

Mate I didn't bring up Thurston!

"Generational player" or freak is just a name given to special players like Thurston and you can definitely have more than 1 coming through at the same period. E.g Cam Smith, Billy Slater.

Cronk was a great player however I wouldn't classify him as a generational player. Ditto Mini, Cordner, SBW, Inglis etc. Just my opinion.

FYI Thurston played 37 games for QLD and 38 for AU.

As for my expectation for Sandon. For mind he's another Jackson Hastings , Kyle Flanagan who show plenty of promise whilst they're playing Jersey Flegg however struggle to perform in the NRL and are eventually moved on by our club.

[B2B]

My preference is Matt Burton . Big body and can kick goals .

[Rooster_Mark]

Plan B, C & D are sitting in our lower grades.

We are not short on talented halves or middles coming through the club at the moment.

Like most people, we tend to over rate the juniors in our system. None of these kids have proven anything yet.

[Rooster_Mark]

I agree that Sandon Smith will probably end up a journeyman bench player, but we have a bigger problem at 7. Townsend is so far off the pace it isn't funny. He was awful last year at the Cows and if he is still halfback by Round 10, we will probably be in last place.

[rented tracksuit]

I agree that Sandon Smith will probably end up a journeyman bench player, but we have a bigger problem at 7. Townsend is so far off the pace it isn't funny. He was awful last year at the Cows and if he is still halfback by Round 10, we will probably be in last place.

His signing still astounds me. Offers nothing… yet.

[Bates]

His signing still astounds me. Offers nothing… yet.

Do you think Robbo has asked him to hold back on special stuff so we can surprise the Broncos?

[Tom Verlaine's Ghost]

It's not really about Saandon Smith or Townsend, though.

Fact is, the team just isn't putting in. They've seen the off-season commentary about how the Roosters won't make the finals, and instead of burring up, they've thought, "Well, okay, we aren't playing finals this year. No pressure on us! Let's relax!"

[Eggspert]

Do you think Robbo has asked him to hold back on special stuff so we can surprise the Broncos?

How come when Robbo asks the team to hold back & not show their hand..etc..they listen & play crap accordingly.

Think he should direct them to play their best & show their special stuff instead

The only suprise with the Broncos game will be if we can only lose by under 18pts to them.

[Bates]

How come when Robbo asks the team to hold back & not show their hand..etc..they listen & play crap accordingly.

Think he should direct them to play their best & show their special stuff instead

The only suprise with the Broncos game will be if we can only lose by under 18pts to them.

You'd love my good mate Mitch who's a rusted on Chooks fan and calls Robbo Pay Cheque. He reckons the team hasn't been coached for years and Robbo is only in it for $$$.

[Rooster_6]

Like most people, we tend to over rate the juniors in our system. None of these kids have proven anything yet.

On the contrary I've been critical of the lack of talent coming through the pathways in recent years.

Toby Rodwell is as good as I've ever seen come through our grades as a half.

[Rooster_6]

Isn't Toby a Halfback? Anyone know how old he is? Roosters have never been a very patient club.

Turns 19 this year.
Between he and Walker they have enough ability to play as complete halves. I almost wonder if you'd play them as a split pairing for first receiver and then allow them to roam as a 2nd receiver as they see fit.

OR you just let him settle into first grade as a 5/8.