Roosters Unveil New Halves Look: Walker Takes the Reins in Pre-Season Clash
The Sydney Roosters have offered a significant glimpse into their tactical blueprint for the upcoming NRL season, showcasing a novel halves partnership in their final pre-season trial against the Parramatta Eels. The match provided a compelling preview of how veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans will integrate into the Roosters’ structure, and the early indications suggest a surprising, yet potentially potent, dynamic.
Traditionally a stalwart in the No. 7 jersey, having worn it for all 352 of his NRL appearances with Manly, Cherry-Evans was deployed in the No. 6 position for this crucial hit-out. This strategic shift saw Sam Walker take on the mantle of the primary halfback, donning the coveted No. 7. The Roosters appeared to be testing the waters of who would ultimately steer the team’s attack, with Walker clearly taking on a more dominant role during their shared time on the field. While Cherry-Evans still managed the kicking duties and remained vocal, it was Walker who truly orchestrated the play with his dynamic touches, delivering a scintillating performance in the opening half.
Cherry-Evans presented a solid showing in his debut for the Tricolours, yet he seemed content to afford Walker the freedom to express himself and take calculated risks. The spotlight, however, was undeniably drawn to Walker, who not only crossed for a try himself but also laid on two further scoring opportunities for his teammates during his impactful 40 minutes.
At the point of James Tedesco and Cherry-Evans’ departure from the field, the Roosters held a comfortable 22-12 lead. However, the Eels mounted a formidable comeback in the second half, unleashing a barrage of 16 unanswered points to secure victory. This pre-season triumph also saw the Eels clinch the Pre-Season Challenge competition, netting them a substantial $100,000 prize.
Despite the trial loss, Roosters coach Trent Robinson is unlikely to be overly concerned with the final score. His primary focus would undoubtedly have been on observing the synergy between Walker and Cherry-Evans as they begin to forge their partnership. The decision to grant Walker greater control, with the 37-year-old Cherry-Evans appearing to play a more supporting role to the younger playmaker, has certainly raised eyebrows among fans.
Commentator Andrew Voss lauded Walker’s passing prowess, particularly a “superb” ball to Angus Crichton that showcased his magic on the left edge. While acknowledging that it was merely a trial match, the evidence presented suggests that Roosters supporters may have found their answer regarding the team’s primary playmaker for the foreseeable future.
Walker Praises Cherry-Evans Connection Amidst New Partnership
Reflecting on their developing partnership, Sam Walker expressed optimism, acknowledging that the duo is still in the process of building their on-field chemistry. “It was a little bit touch and go for the first 20,” Walker admitted to Fox Sports following his 40-minute stint. “But I feel now we’ve got our flow going and are very comfortable with each other. He’s been awesome.”
The arrangement seemed to unlock Walker’s attacking potential, with Cherry-Evans, a former Manly playmaker, often operating on the right side of the field, allowing Walker to command the left. This division of labour appears to have been a deliberate strategy to leverage the strengths of both players.
Cherry-Evans experienced a noticeable dip in form during his final season with Manly, and Roosters fans will be eagerly anticipating his return to the scintillating form that saw him a consistent fixture in Billy Slater’s Queensland State of Origin side for many years. Adding to the Roosters’ injury concerns, coach Robinson also confirmed that Benaiah Ioelu is slated to begin the season at dummy-half, with new recruit Reece Robson sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a thumb injury.
Eels Showcase Moses and Pezet in Pre-Season Hit-Out
Across the park, the Parramatta Eels were also fielding a new halves combination, introducing Mitchell Moses and their new recruit, Jonah Pezet, for their first game together. The Eels are embarking on a new era in their halves pairing this year, with Pezet making the move from the Melbourne Storm.
The pair appeared to ease into their first outing as a combination. Moses, after contributing a try, subsequently handed over the goalkicking duties to Pezet. Post-match, Moses was observed running laps, a sight that Parramatta officials quickly clarified was part of a pre-planned training regimen and not indicative of any injury concerns for the star halfback. The Eels’ focus will now be on how Moses and Pezet can forge a formidable partnership that can challenge the competition throughout the season.
