NSW hooker Reece Robson will make his Sydney Roosters debut on Friday after making a stunning recovery from a fractured thumb.
Robson was expected to be sidelined for up to two months after breaking the digit less than four weeks ago. But as revealed by this masthead before the official team lists were announced on Tuesday afternoon, Robson has cut his expected recovery time in half.
NSW hooker Reece Robson.Credit: Getty Images
It’s a huge boost for the Bondi Junction outfit ahead of Friday’s clash with the Panthers. Coach Trent Robinson’s side also has Connor Watson and Benaiah Ioelu capable of covering dummy half from an extended bench. It marks the first time that the much vaunted new-look Roosters spine of James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker and Robson would play together.
Billy Smith, who suffered a concussion after an e-bike accident, was not named.
The Panthers have received their own boost, with NSW back-rower Liam Martin to also play his first game of the season after overcoming a calf complaint.
Meanwhile, Adam Reynolds has been named in the Brisbane No.7 jersey for Friday’s grand-final rematch against Melbourne, but he confirmed late Tuesday he will he rested.
Adam Reynolds leaves the field injured in the season opener against Parramatta.Credit: Getty Images
Reynolds and his ribs were fully tested during an opposed session on Tuesday, and he was prepared to receive pain-killing injections to get through the match.
“As long as I can handle the pain at training, I’m confident I can get through the game,” Reynolds said. “I played with a rib injury in 2022, it was pretty bad. I was getting needled each week, so it can be done.
