'Missing piece': Dynamic hooker changing Roosters premiership fortunes
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Roosters hooker Reece Robson has been hailed as the missing piece in the side's quest for their first NRL premiership since 2019.
The unexpected retirement of club legend Jake Friend midway through the 2021 season left the Tricolours with a void at dummy half that they have struggled to feel.
Brandon Smith had two injury-riddled years in 2023 and 2024, and utility Connor Watson has done a serviceable job but the Roosters have largely played without a specialist No.9 until Robson's arrival at the start of this season.
Reece Robson Try
Veteran prop Lindsay Collins said the impact of the hooker's arrival was immediate and backed Robson to lead the Roosters past the Dolphins in Friday's preliminary final.
"He's a player no one really talks about but he's been the missing piece from the last couple of years," Collins told NRL.com. "Not to discredit anyone but our last genuine No.9 was Friendy.
"We haven't had that power game that we were so good at in 18, 19 and 20 since him. Robbo's just come in and it's the small details but as a front rower, the speed of his pass, the crispness of his pass, it hits you on the chest and it gets there quickly.
"Everything starts from him. All our tries on the edges, he has to choose which way the ball goes. He's not just listening, he's seeing as well. He knows where people are moving and the spots to take. He's one of the great minds of this footy era and a bit of an unsung hero in our team, I don't think he gets the credit he deserves."
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 NSW No.9 for the past four years, Robson's move to the Roosters flew under the radar last summer amid all the hype and headlines surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans' arrival.
The 28-year-old missed the first two games of the season with a fractured thumb but it didn't take long for Robson to find his feet in a star-studded team.
Playing off the back of a dominant forward pack, the hooker has plenty of space to snipe around the ruck and quickly formed a lethal combination through the middle of the field with fullback James Tedesco.
Robson had arguably his best game of the season in last week's semi-final victory over the Sharks, with a try assist, 83 run metres and 37 tackles.
Roosters v Sharks - Finals Week 2, 2026
While pleased with his performance, the hooker was quick to turn his focus to Friday's grand-final qualifier at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.
"It was a great game and so many of the boys did well," Robson said. "I was lucky enough to roll off the back of the big boys and what they do.
"I'm just trying to do my job and hopefully build to the grand final. We've got a long road still to go. We're only a couple of games away but it will take such a big effort on Friday night to get the win.
"That's all my focus is on now. Everything's working towards building and preparing the best we can to go up there on Friday night, hopefully get that win and then for the GF."
While he has become a regular in the Origin arena, Robson is playing in just his third finals series. The hooker is preparing for his second preliminary final, having lined up in North Queensland's 24-20 loss to the Eels in 2022.
The Roosters received a major boost this week with star halfback Sam Walker cleared to make a shock return from an ankle injury.
Robinson: 'The rewards are high'
While the chance to play alongside players such as Walker played a key role in Robson's decision to sign with the Roosters, the hooker said the opportunity to learn from coach Trent Robinson was also a big factor.
"I can't give him enough credit for how much he's taken my game to another level this year," Robson said. "He's been such a great coach for so long and I've seen that first-hand.
"There's been a lot of things I've learned off him through the year but the big thing is the belief he's put in me and given me to play my best football.
"He's backed me to play what works for me and given me the freedom to do that. He's given that freedom to a lot of the boys here and it's unreal to have that belief and support."
After 27 epic rounds, it all comes down to this. One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. Don't miss a second of the action with kick-off at 7.50pm Friday night live on Nine, Kayo and Sky Sports.
