LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Sydney Roosters boss, Trent Robinson, has given the lowdown on the banged-up duo of Billy Smith and Egan Butcher as they gear up for the final pre-season showdown before Round 1 kicks off.
In a move that's about as surprising as a forward pass in Rugby League, Egan Butcher has inked a deal to stick with the club for the long haul.
Despite recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year, word on the street is that he might just make it back in time for the season opener.
Meanwhile, the injury-plagued Billy Smith, who seems to have more setbacks than a team stuck in a rut, is looking doubtful for the clash against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 1.
It seems he'll have to sit that one out and aim for a return from Round 2 onwards after a mishap during training.
With Smith out of the picture, the Roosters will be shaking things up in the centre field, pairing up Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia.
This change-up comes after losing Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii at the end of last season.
Robinson had this to say about the situation, "Egan and Billy might be back in action by Round 1 or Round 2 from their injuries last year, but the rest of the gang is good to go." Looks like it's game on for the Roosters as they gear up for the start of the 2025 NRL season.