NRL

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson cut straight to the chase when asked about his halfback situation ahead of Friday night’s preliminary final against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

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In short Sam Walker is back, but Hugo Savala still has a roll to play despite being bumped to the bench.

“He’s fit and ready to go,” Robinson declared of Walker.

“Hugo has been outstanding so the only reason I would put Sam in is if I knew he was 100 percent, and he’s right, he’s done more than enough.”

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Like plenty of others both inside and outside the Roosters, Robinson admitted he’s been surprised at how quickly Walker has been able to return after ankle surgery. 

“Two weeks ago I said ‘do you think you’ll be right for the last game of the year?’ and he said ‘I’ll be right for the one before that’… and that surprised me even a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

Robinson then tipped his hat to the medical staff for getting Walker up and running, but added it’s been as much about Walker’s determination and attitude to get back to help the team, something Robinson explained both Walker and Savala have done this week.

“Both of them have asked ‘what do you want me to do? What role do you want me to play?’ It was a selfless act from both of them, and then I made the decision about what I want to start the game.”

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‘He’ll have his part to play’ says Robinson

That decision sees Walker return to the Roosters No.7 jersey with Daly Cherry-Evans shifting back to No.6 and Savala coming off the bench as Billy Smith holds his place in the centres.

Where exactly does that leave Savala? 

“Hugo is so important to our team, the way he approaches the game and plays the game, he’ll have his part to play,” Robinson assured.

“We’ll see, but he’s earned his right to continue to play, and he’ll get that.”

The Roosters boss then had a laugh at his own expense after fronting the media with more team detail than usual.

“I think I’ve given more than I’ve given ever before in naming the lineup,” he joked.

“I wanted to be really clear and I knew there would be a lot of interest in who was playing where.” 

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But with that Robinson drew the line.

“I won’t go into any changes though, that will have to wait until Friday night.”