Roosters superstar Luke Keary has suffered a pre-season setback with coach Trent Robinson revealing he underwent ankle surgery.
Robinson has also given an update on the club’s Covid-19 situation.
Meanwhile, Titans gun AJ Brimson has opened up on his transition to five-eighth and why it’s been “quite simple.”
Read on for the latest edition of Off-season Central.
In a huge relief for Roosters fans, Luke Keary is no doubt for Round 1.
The star half was spotted on social media in a moon boot, sparking fears he may have suffered yet another injury after missing most of last season with an ACL injury.
However coach Trent Robinson told SEN that the 29-year-old had surgery in October on a pre-existing concern and will be back to full fitness by the end of January.
“He’s always had ankle or foot issues so he just had a bone spur removed in October just to free up that ankle a bit more,” Robinson said.
“But he’s cool, he’ll be right by the end of January, he’ll be out in the next couple of days to get back to running. (I’m) looking forward to having Luke back that’s for sure.”
Robinson also gave an update on the club’s Covid-19 situation.
Several clubs have been hit hard during the first week back from the Christmas break. 16 Broncos players tested positive, while the Titans were without 22 players who were in isolation.
The Roosters also took a hit during the first few days back but Robinson is optimistic about the situation.
“Majority have had Covid or are going through Covid at the moment... as a percentage I’d say we would have about 75 per cent that have had it or are going through it at the moment,” he said.
“So out of 36, we had 11 training on the first day back but also a couple of those guys had had it earlier (over the Christmas break). But it’s cool, it’s not different to what everybody else is going through
“We know we’ve got to go through this for however many weeks or months with some small restrictions, but life is back to normal for us. We’ve got different guys coming in and out each day but we’ll just keep surging ahead with our training.”
His optimism seems to be rubbing off on his players too with the three-time premiership-winning coach revealing none of his players have complained about the tighter restrictions the NRL has implemented.
Under the level one restrictions, players and football staff cannot attend an indoor venue like the cinemas or bowling and must eat outside at restaurants and pubs.
The changes have ruffled some feathers throughout the competition with some players questioning the rules on social media, while the Rugby League Players’ Association met with the NRL this week to discuss growing concerns.
“I can tell you I have not heard one word about any complaint about the restrictions or why we have to do this,” Robinson said.
“Everyone can see what’s in front of us at the moment, so I haven’t heard a thing from our players about it. I don’t see it as a big deal at the moment.”
Titans star AJ Brimson is having no troubles settling into his new role as the team’s five-eighth.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed an exciting rise at fullback but will shift to the halves this year to make room for young gun Jayden Campbell in the spine.
Campbell will wear the No.1 jersey, while Brimson will partner rookie halfback Toby Sexton.
It’s not a massive change though for Brimson, who is feeling “quite comfortable” at six due to his background in the position.
“I’m actually really enjoying it. It feels quite comfortable,” Brimson said via Titans.com.au.
“Obviously playing most of my junior footy in the halves, it’s quite a simple transition back.
“It’s more of a defensive change because me, JC (Campbell) and Toby all float in attack, so there’s not too much difference.
“It’s been good to have fun there on the left side and try and build my combinations with the boys.”
