Matt McIlwrick aiming for starting spot, with Jake Friend to miss first month of season

DESPERATE to cement a regular first-grade position in the NRL, Matt McIlwrick has taken an unconventional route.

Matt Mcilwrick trains with the Raiders in a pre-season run at the Raiders training field in Canberra.

DESPERATE to cement a regular first-grade position in the NRL, Matt McIlwrick has taken an unconventional route — signing with arguably the deepest roster in the competition.

The junior New Zealand international was on Thursday announced as the Sydney Roosters’ latest signing after gaining a release from the Canberra Raiders.

The Roosters have been searching for a replacement for injured hooker Jake Friend, who is expected to miss at least the first four weeks of season 2015 after undergoing off season shoulder surgery.

Since his debut in 2012, the 23-year-old has made 19 first-grade appearances in stints between the NRL and NSW Cup competitions.

“It’s a good opportunity to maybe get a start at nine with Friend out, then with a few good performances hopefully I can cement a utility spot when he comes back,” McIlwrick said.

“I definitely see myself as a utility, I think I’m primarily a hooker who enjoys playing lock, I suppose it’s another string to my bow.”

Matt McIlwrick has signed with the Roosters.

The Christchurch-born McIlwrick made the move across the Tasman to the nation’s capital as a teenager where he lived with then-Raiders coach David Furner.

A string of quality performances towards the end of last season earned him a spot in New Zealand’s Four Nations train-on squad.

“Unbelievable. It’s always been a massive dream of mine to play for New Zealand,” McIlwrick said.

“With some consistent footy week to week hopefully I can eventually make the step up to International level.”

Sydney Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan said: “With explosive speed around the ruck and high workrate in defence, as well as his ability to slot into lock, Matt (McIlwrick) will add some great depth to our interchange and we look forward to his developing as part of our squad”.

Originally published as Matt McIlwrick aiming for starting spot, with Jake Friend to miss first month of season