NSWRL Junior Reps: Young star Toby Rodwell teams with Roosters legend

He’s the son of a Steelers legend who has teamed with a Roosters premiership winner to help fast track his NRL dream. Ahead of Saturday’s SG Ball decider, see what’s driving Toby Rodwell.

He’s the son of a Steelers legend, and just like his old man, Roosters young gun Toby Rodwell never forgets his headgear.

But unlike father Brett, a damaging centre and Blues Origin star from the 90s, Toby prefers finesse to crash and bash.

Ranked among the top halves in junior reps, the 19-year-old hopes to guide the Roosters past Parramatta on Saturday and secure the club’s first SG Ball title since Latrell Mitchell starred in the 2014 decider.

“It’s pretty exciting, both sides had good wins last week,” said Rodwell, who will pair up with Sam Walker’s brother, Tyson, in the halves.

“I’ve floated between NSW Cup and SG Ball this year, but I’ve got to know Tyson and we’ve gelled quite well in the past couple of games.”

Illawarra centre Brett Rodwell hits top gear against Cronulla in 1994.

Signed by the Tricolours at 15, the Wollongong junior was rewarded with an NRL trial earlier this year and a spot in Trent Robinson’s top 30 until the end of 2028.

“I struggled a little bit at the start,” Rodwell said of the transition to the senior grades.

“It just takes time to know everyone's game. Our SG Ball coach, Boyd Cordner, has been really helpful.”

Off the field, the former Newington student has forged a strong relationship with 2013 premiership winner Mitchell Pearce, who is no stranger to the perils of teenage stardom.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Mitchell for the past year and a half now, and have a really good relationship with him,” he said.

“He’s been awesome to me. In addition to good tips, he knows if I’m struggling and helps me to deal with bad performances or offers pointers if I’m not training well.”

Toby Rodwell against Cronulla in round six of the SG Ball, 2025. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

Currently living with older brother Tom, a winger for the Roosters in the NSW Cup, Toby touched on a diverse family mix.

“Dad is a good mentor, not so much position wise but he’s good with his advice,” he said.

“I’d say the ball skills come from mum, they’re definitely not from dad. She played netball growing up and my two sisters play as well.”

As the nervous energy builds in the countdown to the Leichhardt Oval decider, one thing’s for sure: the signature Rodwell headgear will remain front and centre.

“Tom scrapped it, but I’ve always worn it through juniors,” he said.

“It comes from dad, and I don’t see myself really playing a game without it.”