Roosters coach Trent Robinson coy on starting side, reveals specific role for stand-in centre
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has put his confidence behind outside back Paul Momirovski as the premiership-winner comes into the side to replace Billy Smith.
Whether, Momirovski plays at centre remains to be seen with the coach coy on whether the 17 named will run out onto the field.
With Drew Hutchinson at 18th man and the possibility of him moving to centres, Robinson simply replied "possibly" when asked if Momirovski would play on the wing.
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Having been part of the Panthers' side that won the 2021 grand final, the 27-year-old isn't unfamiliar with big games, something that isn't lost on the Roosters coach after playing in the club's preliminary final against the Rabbitohs in 2018.
Paul Momirovski of the Roosters walks off injured. Getty
"I debuted him against Gold Coast in 2018 and then second game he played left centre for Latrell (in the prelim) out here so there's always been confidence in (him), that's why he's back here as well," he told media.
"(He's a) grand final winner, big game player for us as well, would've liked more games obviously with the shoulder injury but always confident in Mommas and what he's capable of."
This season, Momirovski has only played two games for the Roosters after suffering significant ligament damage to his shoulder early in the season.
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Despite the fitness concerns, Robinson believes he's ready.
"With shoulder surgery he's done a lot of running, he's done a lot of opposition work against us and we've been pushing the strength to the point that he was going to be able to get selected," he said.
"So this was the first week that he got ticked off. Last week or two weeks ago they highlighted this week to get him ready back to play again so that was timely."
The Roosters will play Melbourne on Friday night at 7.50pm (AEST).
