Verrills to fight for Roosters No.9 jersey

Scott Bailey | March 3, 2022

Sam Verrills has declared he will fight to keep the Sydney Roosters No.9 jersey and has no plans of making way or leaving once Brandon Smith arrives.

Smith is already signed with the Roosters for 2023, inking a three-year deal that most expect will see him become the club’s first-choice hooker and a regular No.9 for the first time.

The Melbourne dummy-half’s signature prompted suggestions Verrills could exit, despite being contracted until the end of 2024.

But Verrills has no interest in departing, insisting he wants to start next season as the Roosters’ first-choice hooker.

“It was tough to see it all unfold in the media that the Roosters were looking to bring another hooker in,” Verrills told AAP. 

“The quality of Brandon Smith, he is a good player and it is unfortunate. But that’s a year away. I have 2022 to look at. 

“I am the hooker at the club now and I don’t plan on giving that up. 

“I am signed until 2024. I haven’t spoken with anyone. My passion is the Roosters.”

Verrills’ best chance of holding off Smith will be to excel at such an extent in the No.9 jersey that the Kiwi hooker is forced into the back row or the bench.

But given Victor Radley’s importance to the Roosters and Connor Watson’s arrival as a utility, both of those options appear remote for 2023.

Despite that the 23-year-old said he had never considered walking away or telling his manager to look around.

“I don’t want to think about it because I love this club so much,” Verrills said. 

“Because I am contracted until 2024, I am legally not allowed to speak to other clubs anyway.

“I really want to be at this club, I respect it highly. Whatever happens in 2023 is a year away.

“A year in rugby league is a while and a lot can happen in that time … My focus is on 2022.”

Verrills has enjoyed an uninterrupted pre-season following two years of injuries.

After starring as a rookie in the 2019 premiership win, he did an ACL in 2020 and last year suffered a detached retina.

He will miss round one against Newcastle through suspension, but should return to face Manly the following week.

“It’s been a stop-start two years for me,” Verrills said.

“(Being out injured) I took a hit to my confidence. 

“Finally going into this pre-season it is my spot. I am really looking forward to it.”