Nat Butcher ‘pumped’ to step up for the Sydney Roosters in the absence of 547 games of NRL experience

Nat Butcher doesn’t attract big headlines, but he is reliable and that is exactly what the Sydney Roosters need in the absence of a trio of stars.

The Sydney Roosters will be missing 547 NRL games of experience from their forward pack in Sunday’s clash against the Wests Tigers, but underrated backrower Nat Butcher has vowed to excel as a starter. Picture: Brett Costello

The Sydney Roosters will be missing 547 NRL games of experience from their forward pack in Sunday’s clash against the Wests Tigers, but underrated backrower Nat Butcher has vowed to excel as a starter.

The Roosters face a significant challenge against a big Tigers team without Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend (concussion) and Angus Crichton (suspension).

As a result, Butcher has been elevated from the bench to the starting second row alongside Sitili Tupouniua.

Nat Butcher is ready to step up in the absence of stars Jake Friend, Angus Crichton and Boyd Cordner. Picture: Brett Costello

The former Junior Kangaroos star made the second most tackles for the Roosters last season – 627 – and is ready to step up in the absence of the Tricolours’ stars versus a formidable Tigers pack.

“I’m pretty pumped for it,” Butcher said about the prospect of starting in the back row against the Tigers.

“I’ve played in the second row a couple of times each year.

“Yeah, it is a bit of a tough challenge losing our leader in Jake and having Angus out as well.

“It isn’t ideal to see in round 2, but we’ve got great depth in our squad and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Butcher may be a novice when it comes to starting in a star-studded Roosters pack, but he says his connection with five-eighth Lachlan Lam gives him confidence.

He has played a lot of football alongside Lam in the Tricolours’ junior ranks, while he feels content playing on the same side of the field as flyers Josh Morris and Daniel Tupou.

“It is such a great edge,” he said.

“The experience that Josh and Tupou have really gives you confidence.

“Then Lam with his youth and what he has been able to do so far is exciting.

“I also have a connection with Lam, who I’ve played alongside a lot coming through the system here at the club.

“It is something that I’m looking forward to.”

Nat Butcher is ‘pumped’ to step up for the Sydney Roosters in the absence of 547 games of NRL experience against the Wests Tigers on Sunday. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Tigers were towelled up by Canberra in the opening round, but Butcher remains wary.

He believes Michael Maguire’s men will be fired up to make amends, especially at home at Campbelltown Stadium.

“I think the Tigers are a great team,” he said.

“They are very well coached under Madge, and I think their forwards really get them going through (James) Tamou and (Joe) Ofahengaue, but this week we are focusing on ourselves, our ability and what we can do.”

Originally published as Nat Butcher ‘pumped’ to step up for the Sydney Roosters in the absence of 547 games of NRL experience