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Roosters are working on a plan to welcome Jake Friend back to NRL
By David Riccio
March 21, 2010
Sydney Roosters are hatching a plan to welcome troubled star Jake Friend back to the NRL, and possibly for this season.
Friend was sacked over summer for a string of alcohol-related incidents, but he has been working hard to play in the NRL again.
Roosters’ chief executive Steve Noyce and coach Brian Smith are in the process of formalising a timetable for Friend's comeback.
"They were going to sit down this week and discuss how it could be done," a source close to the club said.
"There's no doubt we'd like to see him back doing what he does best.
"He's worked very hard to prove he's worth another chance and the club remains by his side. They want to see him succeed, not just in football but in life."
Noyce refused to rule out the prospect of Friend returning for the Roosters but he admitted both parties still had plenty of work to do.
"It wouldn't be right to discuss (the plan) without talking to the people involved first," Noyce said.
"That's something we haven't done yet. But we've always said the club, with specialist consultants, would work with Jake to ensure he gets the right rehabilitation process."
Friends' manager Steve Gillis was reluctant to discuss his client's future, but he feels the 20-year-old deserves a second chance.
"The ball has always been in Jake's court so if it's a case of paying his dues, then I believe he has done that," Gillis said.
Friend has been working as a sandwich hand at a cafe in Surry Hills while continuing to train in the hope of one day returning to the game.
By David Riccio
March 21, 2010
Sydney Roosters are hatching a plan to welcome troubled star Jake Friend back to the NRL, and possibly for this season.
Friend was sacked over summer for a string of alcohol-related incidents, but he has been working hard to play in the NRL again.
Roosters’ chief executive Steve Noyce and coach Brian Smith are in the process of formalising a timetable for Friend's comeback.
"They were going to sit down this week and discuss how it could be done," a source close to the club said.
"There's no doubt we'd like to see him back doing what he does best.
"He's worked very hard to prove he's worth another chance and the club remains by his side. They want to see him succeed, not just in football but in life."
Noyce refused to rule out the prospect of Friend returning for the Roosters but he admitted both parties still had plenty of work to do.
"It wouldn't be right to discuss (the plan) without talking to the people involved first," Noyce said.
"That's something we haven't done yet. But we've always said the club, with specialist consultants, would work with Jake to ensure he gets the right rehabilitation process."
Friends' manager Steve Gillis was reluctant to discuss his client's future, but he feels the 20-year-old deserves a second chance.
"The ball has always been in Jake's court so if it's a case of paying his dues, then I believe he has done that," Gillis said.
Friend has been working as a sandwich hand at a cafe in Surry Hills while continuing to train in the hope of one day returning to the game.
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