Monday Buzz: Why Luke Keary is the Roosters’ real hero despite barely rating a mention
Much of the plaudits for the Roosters’ thrilling victory centred on Sam Walker’s field goal. But the true hero barely rated a mention, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
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The headline on the front-page of the Sunday Telegraph sports section said BONDI RESCUE.
A picture of Sam Walker kicking the match-winning field goal against the Cronulla Sharks with the line: “Sam steps up to save depleted Roosters”
It was the obvious story angle after a gripping finals contest.
Yet the real hero for the Sydney Roosters hardly rated a mention.
Without five-eighth Luke Keary, the Roosters would be about to celebrate Mad Monday instead of preparing to play Melbourne Storm.
It was a blatant Keary strip on Sharks forward Toby Rudolf with seven minutes to go that got the Roosters the possession and field position for Walker’s field goal.
Everyone saw it except for the referee and touch judges. Not that the Sharks can blame the referee for losing the contest.
They had more than enough chances against a depleted team that had lost Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii with injuries and had James Tedesco in the sin-bin.
They were there for the taking.
Keary took a punt and ripped the ball out of Rudolf’s hands in what became a match-winning play.
He was also there to charge down Nicho Hynes’ second field goal attempt in the dying moments.
You’ve got to admire the tenacity of the 2018 Clive Churchill medallist.
The three-time premiership winning five-eighth is a big-moment, big-game player.
Remarkable for someone who could quite easily have been lost to rugby league, like team mates Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, after a series of head knocks. One more bad concussion and he was gone.
He has a university degree, three kids and a huge future off the field in coaching, media or the corporate world.
Yet the Roosters are now even talking about the possibility of a contract extension.
The 31-year-old is off contract at the end of next season.
“We’ll wait and see,” says Roosters chairman Nick Politis, “The way he’s playing at the moment, it’s certainly not out of the question. He’s a great player.”
While the team has been rocked with injuries and suspensions all year, Keary has played in every game for the Roosters.
He’s two years younger than Adam Reynolds and Shaun Johnson, who are both at the top of their games. Three years younger champion Manly halfback Daly Cherry Evans.
And four years younger than when Cooper Cronk retired.
All the great halves get better with age. Keary again showed that on Saturday night. He is a special player.
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