Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has backed the club's call to usher in the next generation, declaring the short-term growing pains will set the side up for long-term success.
The off-season departure of a group of veterans headlined by Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has thrust a host of youngsters into the spotlight in the opening weeks of the 2025 campaign.
Robinson handed three players NRL debuts in last week's 50-14 loss to the Broncos, while local junior Hugo Savala is set to join that group after earning a late promotion to the bench for Friday's clash with the Panthers at CommBank Stadium.
The side's growing pains came as a pair of former Roosters impressed in rival colours throughout Round 1. Sitili Tupouniua scored a double for the Bulldogs in their win over the Dragons while Terrell May was a standout for the Tigers in their loss to the Knights.
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Robinson has copped plenty of flak for the Roosters' roster overhaul, the move to release May coming under particular scrutiny, but said the tough decisions will ultimately lead to long-term success.
"[The youngsters] did really well and I want them to improve this week and that's what the club's for," Robinson said. "That's what I'm for, taking a 19, 20, 21-year-old and taking them through those steps is sport and it's really enjoyable.
"The process is coaching. People see the result of coaching, but it's the continual process, whether it's small things, technical things or tactical things. You've got individuals and then for a team it's the joy of seeing the group move from one point to the next.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 2 -
home Team
Panthers
9th Position
away Team
Roosters
12th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
"That's why after last week we're excited. You coach them all week and they coach themselves and have discussions then let's go again. That's how we adapt and improve and it's the exciting part."
In backing the next generation, Robinson also dismissed rumours the club was attempting to lure Waerea-Hargreaves and Joseph Manu back home.
Roosters fans will get another glimpse of the future when Savala lines up on Friday night. The playmaker comes on to the bench in place of Origin forward Lindsay Collins, who has battled illness throughout the week.
The 22-year-old is a local junior who grew up playing for the Coogee Wombats and supporting the Roosters.
Savala boasts impressive physical characteristics and has progressed through the club's junior academy. Primarily a halfback, he will play a utility role on Friday night and has impressed coaching staff with his ability to slot into various positions.
A 90-metre effort to chase down a player during the Pre-Season Challenge was the moment Robinson knew Savala was ready for the NRL.
"There's an eternal positivity about the way he lives his life and the way he plays," Robinson said. "Then there's the effort areas. He had a 90m chase to save a try in the corner in a trial game. That speaks volumes about somebody about how much they care.
"That play is not the reason [he will debut] but that play summarised a lot about who he is and we want that."
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The squad had a visit from former boxing world champion, and passionate Roosters fan, George Kambosos on Thursday as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for the Panthers clash.
The boxer has spent plenty of time with the club over the years and was eager to observe training ahead of his fight with Indonesian Daud Yordan next Saturday.
Kambosos has endured plenty of challenging periods throughout his career and is confident sharing his experiences will help the Roosters rebound.
"We're both on the same wavelength with the thought process," Kambosos said. "My motivation and my process every day is self-belief and having that mentality that I can become champion again.
"If I can come here and speak to a couple of the younger guys and give them the same attitude, they can have that mental focus that it doesn't matter what happened last week. It's about [Friday] for the guys and building for the season and the same with myself."
