Pre-Season Challenge - Rnd 1 Team v Storm

[Waylander]

At long last we get some footy back. First round of the Pre-Season Challenge, and first glimpse of Suaalii in the centres.

Congrats to Kez on being named captain.

ROOSTERS:
1. King, Ethan
2. Tupou
3. Suaalii
4. Pauga, Junior
5. Paulo
6. Keary (c)
7. Walker
8. Lodge
9. Smith, Brandon
10. Collins
11. Butcher, Egan
12. Wong
13. Radley

INTERCHANGE:
14. Hutchison
15. Baker
16. Turpin
17. May
18. Whyte
19. Thomas
20. Fakatoumafi, William
21. Deakin
22. Hua Tapuha
23. Va'a, Xavier
24. Moriarty
25. Karawalevu
26. Smith, Sandon
27. El-Zakhem, Eli
28. Katoa, Tui

I assume Rob Toia is still injured for Pauga to get the start at center.

[The Axe]

I’m watching for Karawalevu‘s progress

[Tennessee Tornado]

I'm surprised at the number of 1st graders in the squad.

It looks like robbo has learnt a lesson from last year

[RoosterBooster]

Seems like a change in tactic from Robbo this year. Looks like he wants a fast start as I can’t remember when he last started a near full strength side in the first trial
Also when did we sign Junior Pauga ? And has anyone got any insight into his ability ?

[King Salvo]

At long last we get some footy back. First round of the Pre-Season Challenge, and first glimpse of Suaalii in the centres.

Congrats to Kez on being named captain.

ROOSTERS:
1. King, Ethan
2. Tupou
3. Suaalii
4. Pauga, Junior
5. Paulo
6. Keary (c)
7. Walker
8. Lodge
9. Smith, Brandon
10. Collins
11. Butcher, Nat
12. Wong
13. Radley

INTERCHANGE:
14. Hutchison
15. Baker
16. Turpin
17. May
18. Whyte
19. Thomas
20. Fakatoumafi, William
21. Deakin
22. Hua Tapuha
23. Va'a, Xavier
24. Moriarty
25. Karawalevu
26. Smith, Sandon
27. El-Zakhem, Eli
28. Katoa, Tui

I assume Rob Toia is still injured for Pauga to get the start at center.

Toia will be out until around July or so -Recovering from an ACL injury sustained playing GPS Rugby for Nudgee College in Brisbane in late August 2022

[HunchoRooster]

Good to see Wong early. Let's just hope for no injuries and get the combo's and legs ticking early to avoid a repeat of last year.

[Waylander]

Seems like a change in tactic from Robbo this year. Looks like he wants a fast start as I can’t remember when he last started a near full strength side in the first trial
Also when did we sign Junior Pauga ? And has anyone got any insight into his ability ?

He is signed by Norths for 2023, not the Roosters.

He played for the Tigers last year, making his NRL debut in Rnd 18 against the Broncos. He was at Wynnum in Qld Cup before that, and he played NSW Cup for the Warriors from 2016-18. He's a bit of a journeyman who's just turned 27, so I assume he's only getting a run because both Manu & Rob Toia are both unavailable. He is 196cm, 90kg centre/winger who also is a goal kicker.

[King Salvo]

Seems like a change in tactic from Robbo this year. Looks like he wants a fast start as I can’t remember when he last started a near full strength side in the first trial
Also when did we sign Junior Pauga ? And has anyone got any insight into his ability ?

Junior Pauga is in the Sydney Roosters extended squad with 16 others - He has signed to play with North Sydney Bears in NSW Cup.

No Roosters Jersey Flegg or NSW Cup squad listed as yet and nothing about what players the Roosters will allocated to Norths

[MCMLXVI]

I'm surprised at the number of 1st graders in the squad.

It looks like robbo has learnt a lesson from last year

I came here to say the same thing. I would prefer less top players in the trial team, but Trent obviously knows better than me. I understand why B.Smith and the two halves are there, but not the rest, especially Toups. Can't wait for the game though.

The cricket is dead, long live the rugby league!

[ism22]

Good to see Wong early. Let's just hope for no injuries and get the combo's and legs ticking early to avoid a repeat of last year.

Yep TBH it's a squad I wanna see play!!!

Most of our spine's been named (wanna see Brandon play!), the forwards (including Wongie) are solid, Sua'ali'i and Paulo... great! and then you've got Rads.

Much better than last year where we watched the Bears play in RWB.

[Vasco]

At long last we get some footy back. First round of the Pre-Season Challenge, and first glimpse of Suaalii in the centres.

Congrats to Kez on being named captain.

ROOSTERS:
1. King, Ethan
2. Tupou
3. Suaalii
4. Pauga, Junior
5. Paulo
6. Keary (c)
7. Walker
8. Lodge
9. Smith, Brandon
10. Collins
11. Butcher, Nat
12. Wong
13. Radley

INTERCHANGE:
14. Hutchison
15. Baker
16. Turpin
17. May
18. Whyte
19. Thomas
20. Fakatoumafi, William
21. Deakin
22. Hua Tapuha
23. Va'a, Xavier
24. Moriarty
25. Karawalevu
26. Smith, Sandon
27. El-Zakhem, Eli
28. Katoa, Tui

I assume Rob Toia is still injured for Pauga to get the start at center.

Email I got from the club has Egan Butcher in the second rower. Nat not named.

[milanja]

Momo injured??

[Rooster90]

Momo injured??

he wasn't with the squad in NZ either, also hasn't posted on any socials since December.

[Rooster90]

If anyone is interested 1minute wonder Moala Graham-Taufa has turned up in the NZ Warriors squad

[Waylander]

Email I got from the club has Egan Butcher in the second rower. Nat not named.

Thanks Vasco, you're right, I miss-read the list on the app. Corrected in the original post.