Roosters coach Trent Robinson wants to see his star-studded side get through the basics during the early rounds of the 2023 season before they can evolve and get more expansive in their play.
Robinson lamented a poor showing against the Sea Eagles on Friday night in the side’s final pre-season hit-out before their history-making Round 1 clash against the Dolphins on March 5.
The Tricolours have been tipped by many to go all the way this season but Robinson warned the likes of centre pairing Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii won’t have licence to roam the field until the side connects across the park.
“You guys will have to wait and see there, I don’t think any of us are getting excited after tonight about what the top-end [guys] can do,” Robinson said following the match.
“We need to get the basics of the game sorted first. We missed the cohesion of middle and edge tonight for nearly all the game except for three sets towards the end.
“We looked disjointed in our combination of middle and edges, and we need to improve that.”
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The Roosters, who have been slow starters losing four of their last five Round 1 matches, have a bye in Round 4 with clashes against the Dolphins, Warriors and Souths in the opening month a chance to get themselves right.
"You want to play better than what we did tonight,” Robinson said.
"We want to start well but you’ve got to take in the length of the season. The extra bye changes it slightly this year."
Robinson said Manu was no guarantee to be available for the season opener as he continues to recover from a facial fracture.
Manu missed the All Stars clash on February 11 after picking up the injury during a Roosters pre-season training camp in Queenstown.
Robinson expected Suaalii (head knock), Luke Keary (jaw), Sam Walker (COVID-19) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (back/hamstring) to play in Round 1 but Manu was more in doubt.
“He’s not definitely back [in Round 1], he’s four weeks so he’s pretty close,” Robinson said.
“There’s going to be doctor’s advice and another scan to see if he’s going to be right there. He didn’t get a plate, so that’s a positive in terms of the severity but enough to get a crack in there.
“I’m not trying to downplay it, he’ll be touch and go for Round 1.”
The loss of Suaalii on Friday night after he got his head caught in the wrong spot during a tackle was a frustrating one for Robinson after his switch from right wing to left centre this year.
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“I would’ve liked more time, he’s been going great out there at left centre but we got to see [limited minutes]," Robinson said.
“It would’ve been great last week and this week to get more minutes but he’s looked very comfortable in the pre-season.
“He’s had to learn some different traits there, playing on the right side with a right arm carry but his ability to play both sides of the ball he did it at the World Cup.
“His quality allows him to do whatever side.”
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