Roosters coach faces tough call as star recruit Reece Robson sidelined for two months
Trent Robinson will have a huge selection call to make heading into round one, with star Roosters recruit Reece Robson set to miss two months due to injury.
The club confirmed on Thursday morning the incumbent NSW Blues hooker would be sidelined for up to eight weeks after fracturing his left thumb during training.
Robson did not play in the Roosters' first pre-season trial last weekend, but was initially named to face the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night.
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Reece Robson during NSW camp. Getty
The 27-year-old's absence means coach Robinson will need to decide between another State of Origin player or a young gun to fill the void at dummy-half.
Connor Watson spent the majority of last season in the No.9 jumper, but was expected to revert to a bench utility or middle-forward role this year.
The other option is Benaiah Ioelu, who made his debut last season and played 12 games.
The 21-year-old has class and poise around the ruck, but is far less experienced than Watson and it wouldn't be a major surprise to see Robinson go with the safe option.
Watson and Ioelu are both likely to spend time at hooker against the Eels and with the new six-man bench rules, there's a fair chance both end up in the team for round one.
The other issue for the Tricolours is that Victor Radley's suspension to start the campaign means the side are already without one of their key forwards.
Victor Radley. Getty
Blake Steep was named at lock for this weekend's trial game, while Naufahu Whyte could feasibly wear the No.13 jersey despite being used more as a front-rower.
The returning Nat Butcher, who was sidelined for much of last season, is another option.
Sydney Roosters potential round one team
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Blake Steep 14. Connor Watson 15. Siua Wong 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Egan Butcher 18. Salesi Foketi 19. Hugo Savala
