NRL Pre-Season Shakes: Roosters and Storm Face Injury Hurdles
As the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season looms large, two premiership heavyweights, the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm, find themselves grappling with significant setbacks due to key player injuries. These unexpected blows ahead of the new campaign are already forcing club hierarchies and coaching staff to rethink their strategies and personnel.
For the Sydney Roosters, the recent hand injury sustained by their new hooker, Reece Robson, has thrown a spanner in the works, necessitating a reshuffle that is expected to last for up to two months. This absence at such a crucial position in the spine of the team presents an immediate challenge for coach Trent Robinson.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm are facing a more prolonged period without the electrifying presence of star winger Xavier Coates. His sidelining for a minimum of three months leaves a considerable void on the flank, impacting their attacking prowess and aerial game.
These unforeseen injuries are undoubtedly bound to impact team performance in the early stages of the season. The true test, however, will lie in the coaching acumen of Robinson and Storm mentor Craig Bellamy as they navigate these challenging periods. The ultimate goal for both clubs will be to ensure their sides aren’t left playing catch-up by the time the mid-season mark arrives.
Roosters’ Hooking Conundrum: Depth to the Rescue?
The Sydney Roosters’ pre-season preparations have been significantly disrupted by Reece Robson’s untimely injury. However, the club is fortunate to possess considerable depth in the hooker position, offering several viable options to fill the gap.
One prominent contender is likely to be NSW Origin star Connor Watson. Watson may need to put his assumed move to the lock position (jersey 13) on hold and instead lend his considerable talents to bolstering the team’s spine. This would allow him to operate at dummy-half, a role he is more than familiar with.
The lock position itself could see a variety of players slotting in, depending on their current form. Experienced campaigner Victor Radley is an obvious candidate, while young gun Blake Steep could also be given the opportunity to prove his worth in the starting lineup.
Should Steep not be selected to start in the lock role, his utility value could still be highly beneficial for the Roosters, potentially coming off the bench as a forward option.
If Watson shifts to hooker, Beniah Ioelu could be positioned to wear jersey 14. Under the new bench rules, this jersey does not strictly require a utility player, allowing Ioelu, a specialist hooker, to still feature in Robinson’s top 19 squad and contribute significantly.
Encouragingly for the Roosters, Watson and Ioelu have already demonstrated a strong understanding and partnership, displaying a playing style that mirrors that of the injured Reece Robson. The decision of who starts at nine or fourteen will likely depend on their respective pre-season form, with both players capable of injecting flair while maintaining the team’s structural integrity. While Robson’s absence is a disruption, the Roosters’ existing depth in their forward pack and spine suggests they are well-equipped to adapt and mitigate the impact.
Storm’s Wing Woes: Lomax or Leo?
For the Melbourne Storm, the news of Xavier Coates’ injury is considerably more concerning. Coates is a pivotal member of their potent backline and a recognised aerial threat, making his absence a significant blow to their attacking structure and overall game plan.
The most straightforward solution for the Storm would be to secure the signing of Zac Lomax. Lomax would then be expected to slot in on the wing, and potentially shift to the other side of the field once Coates makes his return.
This proposed solution, however, is heavily reliant on the successful completion of Lomax’s signing, which is currently entangled in a complex legal dispute. The club will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of this situation.
Should Lomax prove unavailable to join the Storm, the responsibility is likely to fall upon rookie Moses Leo. The 28-year-old made his NRL debut in Round 5 of the previous season and brings with him valuable experience from his time with the New Zealand Rugby Sevens program.
Unfortunately, Leo’s NRL exposure has been limited. He suffered a shoulder fracture last year, which curtailed his appearances to just two in the top grade. He also made five appearances for the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup.
Therefore, Storm coach Craig Bellamy appears to be taking a calculated gamble by entrusting Leo with the significant responsibility of filling Coates’ boots. This coming week’s pre-season performances will serve as a crucial test of Leo’s ability to handle the demands of a Melbourne Storm winger, particularly in replicating the aerial dominance that Xavier Coates consistently provides. The pressure will be immense for the young player to step up and prove his readiness for the NRL stage.
