NRL 2022 coaching clipboard: Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson

It was a very difficult season last year with injuries and forced retirements. Will the adversities they faced helped the team this year?

A lot was made about the players we had unavailable at different stages of the season, but on the flip side of that, it gave some of the younger members of our squad an opportunity to step up and learn some important lessons about the NRL and our style of footy.

Every season is different, but it’s about taking your lessons and being better.

We’ve been laying our foundations for the 2022 season for a few months now, and whether you’ve played half a dozen games or 250 games, it’s about turning up and building on your principles every day.

Are all the troops back on deck?

We’ve had the majority of the squad back since early January.

Do you think the time out will have helped or hindered Luke Keary? Knowing the student Luke is, I am presuming he would have learnt a thing or two by being able to observe from a distance?

Kez is a footy nerd. He wasn’t up in the bubble last year, and being away from the team while he focused on his rehab gave him the time and opportunity to take a more holistic view of the game, be clear on his influence and the major skills needed in his role.

Who is leading the race to play No.9 this year?

Sam Verrills is our No.9.

You have obviously lost a wealth of experience. Which players will step into leadership roles this year?

James is entering his second year as our captain. He has always led with his actions on the field and he’s developing his voice off the field strongly. Together with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke, they’re our senior leaders, and they have been for a few years now.

Guys like Daniel Tupou, Joey Manu, Siua Taukeiaho, Lindsay Collins, Nat Butcher, Angus Crichton, Victor Radley, Sitili Tupouniua, they’re also leaders in their own right and I’ve been enjoying watching the leader in them come to the fore, whether it be by setting the tone at training, our standards around the club, or mentoring the younger players coming through.

Some have suggested Joey Manu may make the move to No.6 this year. Are you planning on using him in the halves?

Joey is a centre, but his ability to play more than one position and get his hands on the ball is how we want him to play.

What role will Sam Walker play in the team this year?

Sam is a half and he’ll continue to develop his skills to make the most of his ability.

James Tedesco seemed to pop up everywhere and anywhere last year. Will his role change now that Luke Keary is back?

Teddy’s ability to play first receiver will benefit from Luke’s return.

There’s a great understanding and communication between them and with Luke being back, it will give Teddy options to play first or second receiver, or support player, on a more regular basis.

Are you expecting Covid to be an issue throughout the pre-season and what is the plan to lessen its impact?

We returned from the Christmas break with around 75 per cent of our squad off either with Covid or as a close contact. I’m sure there were similar stats across the game.

We’ve adapted as we’ve had to, and that will continue to be the case.

Do you think squad sizes need to be increased to provide cover?

We’ve seen with sports around the world the impact Covid can have on a team and the importance of being able to call on cover within a squad.

I definitely think we need to look at it. The ability to use players outside the top 30 in Round 1 might be a necessity for clubs depending on the Covid situation.