Victor Radley’s Strong Return to Rugby League
Trent Robinson, the head coach of the Sydney Roosters, has praised Victor Radley for his strong return to rugby league, describing him as a “clear and determined” player following his early comeback from a club-enforced ban. Radley made a significant impact in the Roosters’ 32-22 victory over Cronulla in Perth on Saturday. The win came after a remarkable 16-0 deficit, marking the equal biggest comeback in the club’s history.
Radley played a crucial role in the team’s resurgence, particularly in the lead-up to Daniel Tupou’s match-levelling try with 14 minutes remaining at Optus Stadium. His performance was a testament to his determination and commitment to the team.
Radley’s journey back to the field was not without challenges. He was initially suspended for 10 games without pay by the Roosters after allegedly attempting to purchase a dangerous drug during a golf weekend last year. The club later extended the ban to include three Tests for England and two pre-season matches. However, Radley was brought back earlier than expected after a round-five bye.
Robinson acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “No one walks a straight path, so I think everybody’s judgment of that is up to them.” He emphasized the honesty and support from the team, including captain James Tedesco, and highlighted Radley’s strong relationship with the club. “His trust bank account is huge in our club. He took away from that in a serious way for the club to sanction it. But we also believe in him.”
Radley’s return has been marked by a renewed focus and clarity regarding his role within the team. “He’s come back really determined and clear about what his role is in this team, on and off the field, and we’ll continue to support that,” Robinson added.
Despite his determination, Radley’s match fitness is still being fine-tuned after a seven-month gap between games. He played 48 minutes across two stints in the recent match, and his defensive skills are expected to be vital as the Roosters look to improve their start to the 2026 season.
Another positive development for the Roosters was the progress of Daly Cherry-Evans and Mark Nawaqanitawase on their right edge. Cherry-Evans, who has faced some scrutiny in the opening rounds, delivered a strong performance against Manly a fortnight ago and scored a double on Saturday. His efforts were supported by Nawaqanitawase, who played a key role in both of Cherry-Evans’ tries. This included Cherry-Evans reaching his 100th try in the process.
Nawaqanitawase’s athleticism has been a highlight, and his ability to create opportunities for Cherry-Evans is seen as a valuable asset for the team. “Chez has started to come into his own a little bit more, and the better we get as a team, the better he’ll get,” Robinson noted.
The coach also praised the attacking play of Siua Wong and Rob Toia, emphasizing that their performances rely heavily on Cherry-Evans. “I just know with each game he plays the person that he is and how hard he works, then we’re going to keep getting better out there.”
As the Roosters continue their journey through the 2026 season, the combination of Radley’s determination, Cherry-Evans’ growth, and Nawaqanitawase’s contributions offers a promising outlook for the team.
