Roosters optimistic over Keary’s return
Tonga keeps a hold on Izzy
Roosters coach Trent Robinson says veteran fiveeighth Luke Keary will be back “sooner rather than later” after displaying symptoms that are “chalk and cheese” from what he’s shown when he’s suffered head knocks in the past.
Keary wasn’t named to face the Rabbitohs in Friday’s blockbuster local derby after he came off late against Manly when his head collided with Tom Trbojevic’s knee as he chased a loose ball.
The five-eighth has a lengthy history with concussions, which is why everyone is so worried when he suffers any form of head trauma, but his coach is adamant this latest setback is nowhere near as bad as his previous ones.
“He’s been outstanding, actually, from not long after the game,” Robinson said.
“Obviously, a slight concussion but I’ve seen ‘Kez’ at different times with different symptoms and he’s been really good from when he walked back in the door on Monday. And he’s very open and honest with how he’s feeling, so it’s a good progression now, it’s step by
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step. Without a doubt (it’s less serious). I’m not (commenting) about what the impact was but definitely the symptoms are chalk and cheese with what I’ve seen a few years ago. (He’ll be back sooner rather than later) would be the plan if the progressions continue like they have been already.”
Keary’s injury opens the door for Sandon Smith to start in the halves.
“He’s been in our system for a long time, we’ve developed him in those roles, both playing half and fiveeighth, he’s filled in for Sam (Walker),” Robinson said.
“The three of those guys have been on a rotation all pre-season. Obviously, the dominant (halves) being Sam and Luke, but Sandon, we actually had to put him back in 14 in mid-February because we hadn’t done enough training with him there. He trained all preseason as a half. It’s a good opportunity for him and I’m really confident in the experiences he’s had over the last two seasons now to be ready for this.”
While guys like Smith and Walker are at the start of their careers, 35-year-old Michael Jennings is looking to revive his after he was banned for three years for taking banned substances while he was with the Eels.
The veteran scored a famous try for the Roosters in the 2013 grand final, and Robinson says the door is open for him to play NRL this season, with Jennings named 18th man for the South Sydney game.
“It’s pretty simple for me that there was a carrot there to get his life and career back on track and that was himself but also through the Roosters,” Robinson said.
“I didn’t feel like he was done, he didn’t feel like he was done, but he’s had to work for it. That’s come with high-quality training and then some really good performances in reserve grade. It’s time to finish his career in the right way and rewrite it as it should’ve been.”
Dolphins young gun Isaiya Katoa says he remains committed to Tonga despite being eligible for New Zealand and the NSW Origin team.
The 20-year-old made his Test debut as a teenager at the 2022 World Cup and also featured in Tonga’s threeTest series against England in the Old Dart last October.
Such is Katoa’s talent and status as one of the code’s rising superstars, it seems only a matter of time before he attracts the attention of the Kiwis and, potentially, NSW at Origin level.
Katoa was born in New Zealand before moving to Australia at age nine, meaning he is eligible for State of Origin, which requires players to live in NSW or Queensland before their 13th birthday.
Katoa has the option to switch to New Zealand as a tier-one nation, but the classy five-eighth or halfback is committed to the Tongan cause.
“I am eligible for State of Origin and I’m eligible to play for NSW, but I am happy to be playing for Tonga at the moment,” said Katoa, who has already chalked up six Tests.
“Nathan Cleary is the NSW halfback and my focus is the Dolphins and Tonga in the international season.
“To be honest, I’m not thinking too much about Origin, I’m only young and not getting carried away.
“We are building as a Tongan team. I was born in New Zealand, but I love representing my culture and my family for Tonga.”