Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson concedes mistake in Chad Townsend selection, recalls Sandon Smith

News.com.au

23-07-2025

The Sydney Roosters will have to push for a finals berth without hardman Victor Radley as coach Trent Robinson confirmed he'd miss a month with a shoulder injury starting with Thursday's must-win clash against the Storm.
Robinson has recalled playmaker Sandon Smith to team-up with close mate Sam Walker after conceding his decision to bring back veteran Chad Townsend 'didn't work out' in what could prove a costly loss to Cronulla last week.
Sitting in 10th, and needing every win possible in the run to the finals, Robinson said Smith had been given a clear message on what was expected after his recall adamant he had 'full belief' in the 22-year-old despite choosing Townsend ahead of him last week.
'It didn't work out how we wanted last week,' Robinson conceded.
'But I've also been clear about what I'd like from him and his improvement. I pulled him out of the reserve grade game last week, he's had a good week of training.
'But there's two separate things there. We weren't happy with the way we played, but also, Sandon wasn't there for a reason.
'But we've always believed in him as a player. I think we've shown that for the last few years in his development. But I know he can get better and have belief in him he can do that tomorrow night.'
Robinson hoped Smith's connection with 23-year-old halfback Walker would work in the Roosters favour against a Storm team smarting from it's own home loss to Manly.
It's just the second time the young playmakers will start together in the halves for the Roosters.
'I trust our system and I also trust their combination as friends and an intuition there about how they like playing the game,' he said.
'I want him to play his game, I want him to attack the game. Go and play, go and attack the line and take his opportunities.
'He's a really instinctive player and I feel like he can do that more. I'm looking forward to that.'
'We've put him in for big games in the past, and he's in, and we want him to go after it.'
Robinson hopes Radley could be return in the back-end of the regular season after succumbing to a shoulder injury the star forward played down earlier this week.
'(Radley's injury) is not a week, it's probably closer to three or four. We've just got to repair and do the work,' he said.
'It's been a bit stop-start there. It'd be nice to get him back and firing.'