Sydney Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson admits he can only laugh at the fact he is already searching for a fifth-string NRL hooker after more dummy-half dramas.
The Roosters’ woes in the No.9 spot took another hit in Saturday’s win over Cronulla, with third-stringer Freddy Lussick suffering a suspected broken arm.
With concussions forcing Jake Friend to retire during the week and Sam Verrills still three weeks away from a return, Lussick lasted just 17 minutes against the Sharks.
Rookie Ben Marschke was solid playing big minutes off the bench in Lussick’s place, offering great service in the come-from-behind win.
But even he could be in some trouble, after being placed on report for a crusher tackle on Mawene Hiroti.
“It’d be nice to get one back or I’ll be back to our third-string team there, when it comes to (looking for) hookers,” Robinson said.
“We’ve got some utilities there but I’ll either be going back to SG Ball or one of those teams to find a No.9.
“We’ve got one of our guys that comes in trains with us once a week for SG Ball.
“I’m not crying poor there. This is where guys get opportunities often when other guys are injured.
“We’ll just keep going and keep finding a guy. I thought that’s what Ben’s done, he’s been in our system, stepped up.”
The Roosters have makeshift dummy-half Coby Thomas playing hooker on the weekend in NSW Cup this weekend, while Marschke’s brother Jesse is coming off the bench.
Outside of bringing an uncapped player in from one of the Roosters’ development sides, Robinson has other options.
Victor Radley has spent time at dummy-half before, but is seen as an out-and-out lock now with the way he engages the line crucial to a Roosters’ attack that is already without Luke Keary.
Drew Hutchison could also be used at hooker, but he is currently at five-eighth and that would require reshuffle that would likely mean Joey Manu moving to the halves.
Adam Keighran and Lachlan Lam would otherwise be the Roosters’ other options, but the pair are also both still injured.
“It’s pretty rare (to be this stretched in a position) after five games,” Robinson said.
“It’s quite laughable, to be honest.
“But if you get negative about it, you’ll get a negative result.
“If you get positive about whoever you pick and you believe they’re ready, they’ll play well. So that’s what we’ll do.”
© AAP
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