LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has hailed young gun Sam Walker as the future "X-factor" for the club, despite the end of an era looming with key departures and Luke Keary's retirement.
The Roosters will be without veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for his 300th game against Brisbane due to a calf injury, but Robinson remains unfazed, confident there will be no emotional baggage from the recent Las Vegas racism scandal.
Prop Spencer Leniu's eight-game suspension for a racial slur against Broncos player Ezra Mam means he will also miss the clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Robinson, however, believes there will be no lingering issues on the night.
"We've done the penance, we're focused on playing footy," Robinson said in his classic no-nonsense style.
"We're not expecting any drama from the end."
With Walker's commitment to the club's long-term future, Robinson is optimistic about the Roosters' prospects, ready to usher in a new era on the field despite the challenges they may face.