The shuffling between centre and five-eighth is not wearing down Roosters utility Hugo Savala.
Quite the contrary, it is reminding him that being trusted to fill several positions is something he’s proud of.
Hugo Savala just fires wherever he's put
The remarkable recovery of Sam Walker (ankle) is likely to mean Savala’s two-match journey at five-eighth alongside halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is over. A return to the back-five is on the cards for Friday's preliminary final against the Dolphins.
“I do work hard and I have been challenged a few times this year – in the pre-season and during the year – to play different positions,” Savala told NRL.com.
“But it all comes down to my love for the club, for the staff, and for the boys in this team.
“So I’ll be putting my best foot forward whatever happens and wherever I’m put.”
Match: Dolphins v Roosters
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The Roosters travel north to Suncorp Stadium to face the Dolphins on Friday night with a spot in the grand final on the line.
Savala has played the Redcliffe-based club twice this year – at five-eighth in Round 15 and in the centres four weeks ago in Round 26.
He’s also played on the wing and in the middle coming off the bench a handful of times during the Rooters season, but the majority of his 21 games this year have been at centre.
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“I’m not too sure where I’ll be this week … (coach Trent Robinson) Robbo will have a chat with a couple of us boys, and the coaching staff, and with me.
“Whatever happens I’ll put all my energy into that.
“Obviously the mental prep is just as important as the physical prep. So when I know what position I’m playing all my focus will be on that.”
His past two weeks were at No.6 alongside Cherry-Evans, with the Roosters suffering a tight loss to Penrith before bouncing back last Saturday night to outclass the Sharks.
“The way [Cherry-Evans] communicates with the team and the way he gives clarity to everyone with their roles … the marriage of that together with the Roosters style of football has been incredible,” Savala said.
“He has so much knowledge of the game so he’s able to anticipate stuff so well. He reads the game so well.
“I’ve picked up a lot from him, his mannerisms and his detail as a player. I’m sure I’m not the only young player here who has benefitted.”
Savala, 24, is completing just his second NRL season and hasn’t yet chalked up 50 NRL games.
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But Friday will be his fourth finals match after an elimination final in 2025 and two finals in 2026.
“It’s pretty cool but then I look over at Rob (Toia) and he’s under-50 like me and already played in two Origin series. He’s been one of our best all year so I enjoy seeing him succeed too.”
The Dolphins have scored 13 tries to four in their two wins over the Roosters this season.
Savala says they are one of the most unpredictable sides to prepare for.
“I guess we all need to bring those different aspects of ourselves and go out there on Friday night and express ourselves, while having each other’s backs,” he said.
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