Roosters' stance on Daly Cherry-Evans unchanged
The Sydney Roosters remain keen on pursuing Daly Cherry-Evans despite his axing from the State of Origin set-up and the emergence of their own young halves.
It comes as coach Trent Robinson reveals all five of his State of Origin representatives will back up for Saturday's match against North Queensland, who are resting Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson.
The Roosters shaped as the front-runners for Cherry-Evans's signature after the premiership-winning halfback confirmed 2025 would be his 15th and final season at Manly.
Since then, Cherry-Evans has been dropped as Queensland captain and endured patchy form for an out-of-sorts Manly side fighting to keep pace with the top eight.
The Roosters, meanwhile, have unearthed an out-and-out first-grader in rookie halfback Hugo Savala and also have highly rated Sam Walker signed through 2027.
Sandon Smith has proven a capable back-up playmaker too, particularly impressive in a big Anzac Day win over St George Illawarra.
The Roosters have held preliminary talks with Cherry-Evans but the 36-year-old has indicated his immediate focus is on the 2025 season, not finalising his future.
Robinson previously endorsed the club's pursuit of Cherry-Evans and has not changed his position amid the events of recent months.
"Nothing has moved, we haven't had any discussions or anything like that. But there hasn't been any difference on what I said last time either," he said.
"We said he's going to wait so we've just been getting on with our business until that time."
Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in big wins over Penrith and Brisbane in recent months but most recently struggled to ignite the side in a 28-8 thrashing from last-placed Gold Coast.
Robinson has been unconcerned over public commentary surrounding Cherry-Evans's form this season.
"That hasn't been a discussion for us," he said.
The coach sees a world where all four of Cherry-Evans, Savala, Walker and Smith can co-exist at the club next season.
Savala's preferred position is in the halves but his 194cm frame makes him a candidate for opportunities in the back row or outside backs.
Smith, meanwhile, was a regular on the bench before five-eighth Luke Keary left the club in the most recent off-season.
"We're in a good spot, I feel like we're developing really well," Robinson said.
"We want to keep pushing forward in being the best team that we can be. There's no wavering on what I said (about wanting to pursue Cherry-Evans) but that time will come."
The Cowboys will have Queensland duo Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden on deck as they fight to bounce back from their 58-4 hiding at the hands of the Dolphins last week.
But NSW hooker Robson and Maroons forward Cotter will be given extra time to rest following the Maroons' 26-24 game-two win on Wednesday.
"(They're) just carrying a couple of niggles that we don't want to make worse, given that we've got a long road ahead," said coach Todd Payten.
The Sydney Roosters remain keen on pursuing Daly Cherry-Evans despite his axing from the State of Origin set-up and the emergence of their own young halves.
It comes as coach Trent Robinson reveals all five of his State of Origin representatives will back up for Saturday's match against North Queensland, who are resting Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson.
The Roosters shaped as the front-runners for Cherry-Evans's signature after the premiership-winning halfback confirmed 2025 would be his 15th and final season at Manly.
Since then, Cherry-Evans has been dropped as Queensland captain and endured patchy form for an out-of-sorts Manly side fighting to keep pace with the top eight.
The Roosters, meanwhile, have unearthed an out-and-out first-grader in rookie halfback Hugo Savala and also have highly rated Sam Walker signed through 2027.
Sandon Smith has proven a capable back-up playmaker too, particularly impressive in a big Anzac Day win over St George Illawarra.
The Roosters have held preliminary talks with Cherry-Evans but the 36-year-old has indicated his immediate focus is on the 2025 season, not finalising his future.
Robinson previously endorsed the club's pursuit of Cherry-Evans and has not changed his position amid the events of recent months.
"Nothing has moved, we haven't had any discussions or anything like that. But there hasn't been any difference on what I said last time either," he said.
"We said he's going to wait so we've just been getting on with our business until that time."
Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in big wins over Penrith and Brisbane in recent months but most recently struggled to ignite the side in a 28-8 thrashing from last-placed Gold Coast.
Robinson has been unconcerned over public commentary surrounding Cherry-Evans's form this season.
"That hasn't been a discussion for us," he said.
The coach sees a world where all four of Cherry-Evans, Savala, Walker and Smith can co-exist at the club next season.
Savala's preferred position is in the halves but his 194cm frame makes him a candidate for opportunities in the back row or outside backs.
Smith, meanwhile, was a regular on the bench before five-eighth Luke Keary left the club in the most recent off-season.
"We're in a good spot, I feel like we're developing really well," Robinson said.
"We want to keep pushing forward in being the best team that we can be. There's no wavering on what I said (about wanting to pursue Cherry-Evans) but that time will come."
The Cowboys will have Queensland duo Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden on deck as they fight to bounce back from their 58-4 hiding at the hands of the Dolphins last week.
But NSW hooker Robson and Maroons forward Cotter will be given extra time to rest following the Maroons' 26-24 game-two win on Wednesday.
"(They're) just carrying a couple of niggles that we don't want to make worse, given that we've got a long road ahead," said coach Todd Payten.
The Sydney Roosters remain keen on pursuing Daly Cherry-Evans despite his axing from the State of Origin set-up and the emergence of their own young halves.
It comes as coach Trent Robinson reveals all five of his State of Origin representatives will back up for Saturday's match against North Queensland, who are resting Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson.
The Roosters shaped as the front-runners for Cherry-Evans's signature after the premiership-winning halfback confirmed 2025 would be his 15th and final season at Manly.
Since then, Cherry-Evans has been dropped as Queensland captain and endured patchy form for an out-of-sorts Manly side fighting to keep pace with the top eight.
The Roosters, meanwhile, have unearthed an out-and-out first-grader in rookie halfback Hugo Savala and also have highly rated Sam Walker signed through 2027.
Sandon Smith has proven a capable back-up playmaker too, particularly impressive in a big Anzac Day win over St George Illawarra.
The Roosters have held preliminary talks with Cherry-Evans but the 36-year-old has indicated his immediate focus is on the 2025 season, not finalising his future.
Robinson previously endorsed the club's pursuit of Cherry-Evans and has not changed his position amid the events of recent months.
"Nothing has moved, we haven't had any discussions or anything like that. But there hasn't been any difference on what I said last time either," he said.
"We said he's going to wait so we've just been getting on with our business until that time."
Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in big wins over Penrith and Brisbane in recent months but most recently struggled to ignite the side in a 28-8 thrashing from last-placed Gold Coast.
Robinson has been unconcerned over public commentary surrounding Cherry-Evans's form this season.
"That hasn't been a discussion for us," he said.
The coach sees a world where all four of Cherry-Evans, Savala, Walker and Smith can co-exist at the club next season.
Savala's preferred position is in the halves but his 194cm frame makes him a candidate for opportunities in the back row or outside backs.
Smith, meanwhile, was a regular on the bench before five-eighth Luke Keary left the club in the most recent off-season.
"We're in a good spot, I feel like we're developing really well," Robinson said.
"We want to keep pushing forward in being the best team that we can be. There's no wavering on what I said (about wanting to pursue Cherry-Evans) but that time will come."
The Cowboys will have Queensland duo Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden on deck as they fight to bounce back from their 58-4 hiding at the hands of the Dolphins last week.
But NSW hooker Robson and Maroons forward Cotter will be given extra time to rest following the Maroons' 26-24 game-two win on Wednesday.
"(They're) just carrying a couple of niggles that we don't want to make worse, given that we've got a long road ahead," said coach Todd Payten.
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'Wasn't ideal': Lomax opens up on Origin goalkicking
Zac Lomax concedes his goal-kicking "wasn't ideal" in the second State of Origin game but has vowed not to board any emotional rollercoaster triggered by NSW's tight loss. NSW scored five tries to Queensland's four in Wednesday night's game but went down 26-24 as Lomax landed only two of five attempts at goal in wet and wild conditions. Nathan Cleary's groin injury left goal-kicking duties to Lomax at the 11th hour and the right winger could have pushed the Blues to an unassailable 2-0 series lead off his boot. Instead, the result moves the series to a game three decider in Sydney on July 9, and denies NSW the chance for a first series clean sweep since 2000. Lomax said it was important not to become weighed down after the defeat. "Week in week out, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. I guess like the first game, everyone was singing NSW's praises and game two, we lost. That's the way it goes," he said. "That's why you can't buy into it too much." 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NSW scored five tries to Queensland's four in Wednesday night's game but went down 26-24 as Lomax landed only two of five attempts at goal in wet and wild conditions. Nathan Cleary's groin injury left goal-kicking duties to Lomax at the 11th hour and the right winger could have pushed the Blues to an unassailable 2-0 series lead off his boot. Instead, the result moves the series to a game three decider in Sydney on July 9, and denies NSW the chance for a first series clean sweep since 2000. Lomax said it was important not to become weighed down after the defeat. "Week in week out, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. I guess like the first game, everyone was singing NSW's praises and game two, we lost. That's the way it goes," he said. "That's why you can't buy into it too much." Parramatta winger Lomax said it could be easy to fall into thinking it was he alone who cost NSW the game. 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Lomax surprised the NRL world last year by requesting a release from his Dragons deal amid career-best form that eventually yielded Australian and NSW debuts. After weeks of build-up the Dragons relented to Lomax's request and paved the way for him to sign at Parramatta, where he has continued to excel on the wing. A Dragon for 114 games, Lomax expects some rough treatment when he runs out at Wollongong in the Eels' blue-and-gold strip on Saturday evening. "I'm sure I won't get a real nice reception there but that's the way that it goes," he said after Parramatta's 36-20 defeat of Gold Coast. "You completely try and take the emotion out of it because emotion can affect your game positively and negatively "For us it's learning what we did well tonight (against Gold Coast), learning things we can improve on." Zac Lomax concedes his goal-kicking "wasn't ideal" in the second State of Origin game but has vowed not to board any emotional rollercoaster triggered by NSW's tight loss. NSW scored five tries to Queensland's four in Wednesday night's game but went down 26-24 as Lomax landed only two of five attempts at goal in wet and wild conditions. Nathan Cleary's groin injury left goal-kicking duties to Lomax at the 11th hour and the right winger could have pushed the Blues to an unassailable 2-0 series lead off his boot. Instead, the result moves the series to a game three decider in Sydney on July 9, and denies NSW the chance for a first series clean sweep since 2000. Lomax said it was important not to become weighed down after the defeat. "Week in week out, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. I guess like the first game, everyone was singing NSW's praises and game two, we lost. That's the way it goes," he said. "That's why you can't buy into it too much." Parramatta winger Lomax said it could be easy to fall into thinking it was he alone who cost NSW the game. In reality, the Blues conceded eight unanswered penalties and completed at only 58 per cent as they fell 26-6 down at halftime. While critics may have pinned the loss on his kicking, Lomax said: "It's easy to look at it that way because it (the margin) is two points and a goal is two points. For me, I pride myself on being a good goalkicker as well. "It was not ideal. But as I said, it gives you guys (the media) something to talk about and the lead-in into game three. "The thing is, I probably couldn't have struck them any better. They just sat out there. "We were on the receiving end of it (defeat) but that's the way that footy goes. The best thing is we get another game, game three, and we'll be up for it." Before then, Lomax is predicting a harsh reception playing before St George Illawarra's home crowd for the first time since his highly-publicised exit from the club. Lomax surprised the NRL world last year by requesting a release from his Dragons deal amid career-best form that eventually yielded Australian and NSW debuts. After weeks of build-up the Dragons relented to Lomax's request and paved the way for him to sign at Parramatta, where he has continued to excel on the wing. A Dragon for 114 games, Lomax expects some rough treatment when he runs out at Wollongong in the Eels' blue-and-gold strip on Saturday evening. "I'm sure I won't get a real nice reception there but that's the way that it goes," he said after Parramatta's 36-20 defeat of Gold Coast. "You completely try and take the emotion out of it because emotion can affect your game positively and negatively "For us it's learning what we did well tonight (against Gold Coast), learning things we can improve on."
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Lawton facing ban for tackle that injured Rooster
The NRL referees' handling of foul play is back in the spotlight, with Karl Lawton handed one of the most serious charges of the year despite not being penalised for a third-man in tackle that injured Siua Wong. Sydney Roosters second-rower Wong will miss up to six weeks after scans confirmed a medial ligament tear, following contact from Lawton on Sunday. The North Queensland forward was not reprimanded during the 42-8 loss, despite referee Ashley Klein and bunker officials having time to review the incident. Lawton was then hit with a grade-three dangerous contact charge on Monday, the highest possible grading without referring him straight to the judiciary. Lawton's charge is only the second grade-three charge for any offence this season, after Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi copped the same punishment for dangerous contact on Cowboy Tom Duffy last week. Only Manly prop Tof Sipley has been given a higher grading this NRL season, referred straight to the judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that injured St George Illawarra's Mat Feagai in April. With a clean recent record, Lawton can accept a two-match ban with an early plea or risk a third game on the sidelines if he elects to fight the grading. But the significant difference in the way the tackle was viewed is likely to raise eyebrows. Roosters coach Trent Robinson refused to delve into his thoughts on Sunday saying he hadn't seen it properly. In the Nine Network's coverage, Andrew Johns was highly critical of the contact. "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns said. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. "A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. "And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." In better news for the Tricolours, five-eighth Sandon Smith has been cleared of any knee damage after leaving the field early in the win over the Cowboys. The Roosters have the bye this week, but Smith will be fine to face Wests Tigers in a fortnight. Elsewhere, Parramatta have copped a double blow at the judiciary with hooker Ryley Smith and centre Will Penisini both facing suspensions. Smith is set to cop a two-week ban for his dangerous throw on Phillip Sami in the win over Gold Coast, while Penisini is facing three matches out for one on Beau Fermor. Both were handed grade-two charges with Penisini sin-binned for his tackle. Penisini's extra week is due to a prior charge on his record. The NRL referees' handling of foul play is back in the spotlight, with Karl Lawton handed one of the most serious charges of the year despite not being penalised for a third-man in tackle that injured Siua Wong. Sydney Roosters second-rower Wong will miss up to six weeks after scans confirmed a medial ligament tear, following contact from Lawton on Sunday. The North Queensland forward was not reprimanded during the 42-8 loss, despite referee Ashley Klein and bunker officials having time to review the incident. Lawton was then hit with a grade-three dangerous contact charge on Monday, the highest possible grading without referring him straight to the judiciary. Lawton's charge is only the second grade-three charge for any offence this season, after Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi copped the same punishment for dangerous contact on Cowboy Tom Duffy last week. Only Manly prop Tof Sipley has been given a higher grading this NRL season, referred straight to the judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that injured St George Illawarra's Mat Feagai in April. With a clean recent record, Lawton can accept a two-match ban with an early plea or risk a third game on the sidelines if he elects to fight the grading. But the significant difference in the way the tackle was viewed is likely to raise eyebrows. Roosters coach Trent Robinson refused to delve into his thoughts on Sunday saying he hadn't seen it properly. In the Nine Network's coverage, Andrew Johns was highly critical of the contact. "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns said. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. "A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. "And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." In better news for the Tricolours, five-eighth Sandon Smith has been cleared of any knee damage after leaving the field early in the win over the Cowboys. The Roosters have the bye this week, but Smith will be fine to face Wests Tigers in a fortnight. Elsewhere, Parramatta have copped a double blow at the judiciary with hooker Ryley Smith and centre Will Penisini both facing suspensions. Smith is set to cop a two-week ban for his dangerous throw on Phillip Sami in the win over Gold Coast, while Penisini is facing three matches out for one on Beau Fermor. Both were handed grade-two charges with Penisini sin-binned for his tackle. Penisini's extra week is due to a prior charge on his record. The NRL referees' handling of foul play is back in the spotlight, with Karl Lawton handed one of the most serious charges of the year despite not being penalised for a third-man in tackle that injured Siua Wong. Sydney Roosters second-rower Wong will miss up to six weeks after scans confirmed a medial ligament tear, following contact from Lawton on Sunday. The North Queensland forward was not reprimanded during the 42-8 loss, despite referee Ashley Klein and bunker officials having time to review the incident. Lawton was then hit with a grade-three dangerous contact charge on Monday, the highest possible grading without referring him straight to the judiciary. Lawton's charge is only the second grade-three charge for any offence this season, after Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi copped the same punishment for dangerous contact on Cowboy Tom Duffy last week. Only Manly prop Tof Sipley has been given a higher grading this NRL season, referred straight to the judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that injured St George Illawarra's Mat Feagai in April. With a clean recent record, Lawton can accept a two-match ban with an early plea or risk a third game on the sidelines if he elects to fight the grading. But the significant difference in the way the tackle was viewed is likely to raise eyebrows. Roosters coach Trent Robinson refused to delve into his thoughts on Sunday saying he hadn't seen it properly. In the Nine Network's coverage, Andrew Johns was highly critical of the contact. "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns said. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. "A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. "And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." In better news for the Tricolours, five-eighth Sandon Smith has been cleared of any knee damage after leaving the field early in the win over the Cowboys. The Roosters have the bye this week, but Smith will be fine to face Wests Tigers in a fortnight. Elsewhere, Parramatta have copped a double blow at the judiciary with hooker Ryley Smith and centre Will Penisini both facing suspensions. Smith is set to cop a two-week ban for his dangerous throw on Phillip Sami in the win over Gold Coast, while Penisini is facing three matches out for one on Beau Fermor. Both were handed grade-two charges with Penisini sin-binned for his tackle. Penisini's extra week is due to a prior charge on his record.
