Butcher’s knife cuts deep this year

NAT Butcher is the kind of selfless player that every club needs, even if he doesn’t realise it.

He doesn’t seek the limelight, does all his work and then some on and off the field, and all he wants is for the team to be successful.

Which is why it was no surprise that questions about his four tries in the final game at the SCG were played with a straight bat.

“I was just thinking about the game and where we were at and trying to play the 80 minutes that we’ve spoken about,” Butcher said after the Roosters routed Wests Tigers 72-6. “I’m not too fussed about it. I was just happy to get the win.”

But his coach wasn’t going to let him get away without receiving the plaudits he deserves after another outstanding night on the right edge playing outside Sam Walker.

Butcher has now scored 10 tries this season, more than his previous six seasons combined, and has become the attacking weapon that many people were predicting after he led the Roosters to Holden Cup glory in 2016.

“I think there was an article written earlier in the year that he was the poor man Roosters player whilst somebody on the other side got the better deal,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said, referencing a story about Cam Murray at Souths.

“We’re really proud of Nat Butcher and the player he is and how hard he works. He’s got rewards with a couple of doubles this year and then a four. He’s one of our players and we love the way that he plays.”

It was a good night to be a back-rower, with teammate Angus Crichton also crossing twice, while stars Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii strangely didn’t score in the 12-try romp.

Butcher joked that it was good to see them “share it around a bit” but then immediately switched back to his serious self to praise his young half for not only laying on several of his tries, but also for his development this season.

“I’ve enjoyed playing with Sam Walker,” he said.

“He’s an exciting player.”