Roosters’ backline dilemma won’t faze Storm

Jasper Bruce | April 3, 2023

Melbourne centre Reimis Smith is unfazed by the Sydney Roosters’ imminent backline reshuffle as the Tricolours consider which of their star first-choice centres should replace James Tedesco at fullback.

Before Thursday night’s game, the Roosters must decide whether Joey Manu or Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii slots into the No.1 jersey after Tedesco suffered a concussion in the win over Parramatta.

Tedesco’s concussion history has meant the Roosters are yet to confirm when their captain will return.

Both men are worthy replacements – Manu played fullback on New Zealand’s run to the World Cup semi-final last year, while Suaalii played the same role for Samoa, who reached the decider.

Suaalii switched to fullback when Tedesco went down with his head knock on Thursday night but has yet to start there at NRL level – something Manu has done ten times.

Drew Hutchison filled in for Manu during his suspension last week and either he or Paul Momirovski could line up there again when a spot in the centres opens up.

The bevy of potential opponents has done nothing to distract the Storm’s outside backs from their preparation, though, as the chance for three consecutive wins looms.

“There’s no point me focusing on who they’re going to play or who’s going to be in that centre position,” said Melbourne’s right centre Smith.

“I feel like if I just prepare myself right, then whoever they put in that position or whoever plays fullback or whoever it is, then I’m confident in myself. 

“I’ve done the work. It’s moreso just focusing on myself but not being oblivious to that (the Roosters’ selection).”

The Storm are also preparing to come up against former teammate Brandon Smith for the first time since his highly-publicised move north.

Smith was called in for a meeting with Melbourne higher-ups after publicly revealing his hopes of winning a premiership with the Roosters while he still had a year to run on his Storm deal.

On the same podcast episode, Smith revealed drinking was a “massive part” of Melbourne’s culture, a claim the club denied.

Despite the public commentary, halfback Jahrome Hughes said he looked forward to seeing his friend again and squaring off at AAMI Park.

“It’s going to be a good battle,” Hughes said.

“It’s one of those ones where you’re coming up against a good mate but once we get on the field, we know he’s going to be putting in some strong footy.

“We’re not going to focus on him too much, obviously he’s a good player so we need to watch what he does.

“(But) we need to be watching the whole team.”