Robinson keen for Robson to finally 'get started'

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson is looking forward to ending a 15-month wait to see star recruit Reece Robson in the club's jersey for the first time against the Panthers on Friday night.

Robson, who signed with the Roosters in December 2024, has made a remarkable recovery from a fractured thumb that was meant to sideline him until mid-April and will make his club debut at Allianz Stadium.

His return comes four weeks earlier than expected, providing an opportune boost for the Roosters and a chance for Robinson to see him combine with halves Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans, and fullback James Tedesco.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started with Reece," Robinson said. "The hooking role is really important in attack, but in defence he's been a warrior for a long, long time."

"We want to base a lot of our play around that nine role, and him playing that."

Despite being a State of Origin player, Robson’s signing from the North Queensland Cowboys slipped under the radar amid the wave of publicity about Cherry-Evans joining the club.

The Roosters were seeking a reliable and consistent dummy-half, and Robinson highlighted that he was “at the top of the list” for the position.

It’s a role that the Roosters have struggled to fill since the retirement of Jake Friend in 2021, but Robson is now expected to bring stability to the No.9 jersey.

While there are concerns about Robson’s match fitness, Robinson is confident that the side is well covered with Connor Watson and Benaiah Loelu having shared the dummy-half position since mid-2025.

“The expectation there (with Robson) is not to do anything in particular other than just get his defensive work done, roll the rug for us, and then I'll be able to judge it in game,” Robinson said.

Robson’s lengthy four-year contract with the Roosters reflects the club’s plan to build around him in the No.9 jersey.

His relentless work rate and effectiveness in both attack and defence have already been recognised by the club. With his experience and dedication, he shapes as an exciting addition to the Roosters forward pack.

“We were very keen on his style of play and the way that he goes about the game,” Robinson said.

After an improved performance from Cherry-Evans in last week’s clash against the Rabbitohs, Robinson is now keen to see how the former Manly great combines with Robson.

Cherry-Evans demonstrated his ability to adapt, with last week’s game seen as a ‘step forward’ in the 37-year-old’s progression with the Roosters.

“He's played a certain style for a long period of time. We want him to continue to play that, but adapt to the Roosters,” Robinson said.

Robinson also praised the work rate of young-gun Blake Steep, who he said had reached his top speed on the NRL field when attempting to chase down Alex Johnston as he scored his record breaking 213th try last weekend.

Steep will be working to cement himself as the first-choice lock in the future.

“I'm pushing ‘Steepee’ to keep on improving his game. There's such a great base,” Robinson said.