Lower grade wrap: Roosters’ injury crisis could fast-track exciting halfback Ronald Volkman into NSW Cup

Sam Walker’s NRL debut has been fast-tracked due to an injury crisis at the Roosters, but he’s not the only star young half at the club to recieve a big promotion.

He’s only played two Jersey Flegg matches, but Sydney Roosters halfback Ronald Volkmancould be fast-tracked into Knock On Effect NSW Cup in a matter of days.

The club’s injury crisis has already seen rookie Sam Walker elevated to first grade while NRL stars Lachlan Lam and Luke Keary battle knee injuries.

But the Bears’ No.7 jersey now needs filling, and Volkman could be the right man for the job.

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“It’s highly likely, it just depends what Trent (Robinson) feels. He’s training with the NRL side at the moment, so if he feels that he’s training alright and he can stimulate the game... then that’s how it’ll be,” Chooks Flegg coach Tony Barnes said.

“He scored a good try on the weekend … he made about four side steps, three pirouettes and ended up going through to score under the posts.

“He’s got some good footy in him, he’s going to be a good footballer.”

Sydney Roosters youngster Ronald Volkman. Pic: NRL Imagery

Volkman is currently named to play Flegg against Cronulla on Friday, but Barnes expects a few of his troops will push up into reserve grade and NRL squads to cover injuries.

The transition will be challenging — largely due to the lack of footy the age group played last year — but Barnes said that all clubs are in the same boat.

“A lot of these kids have been out for a year, because we didn’t play last year, so (Volkman) hasn’t played any 20s football, we’ve only played two games,” Barnes said.

“We’ve got a few injuries in the top grade, so there’ll be few playing for Norths. It’s the same for Cronulla too, they’ll be missing a couple, but that’s what happens,” Barnes said.

It’s a similar story for the battered Sharks, with young guns Franklin Pele and Jensen Taumoepeau filling the NRL reserves this weekend.

Portrait of Sharks big guy Franklin Pele at Shark Park. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“It looks like it affected most teams, this knock on effect on the pathway up, there’s young guys playing state cup. Whoever manages best or has good depth at their club is probably going to come out on top” Sharks Flegg coach Daniel Holdsworth said.

Holdsworth expects young players will continue stepping up — kids like Jesse Colquhoun, who could end up making his first Flegg start on Friday.

“He’s a good young front rower, South Coast boy, been in our system for a few years. I’m looking forward to him getting his first start if we don’t get Frankie Pele back,” Holdsworth said.

“He’s a new age front rower, he can ball play, has a hard carry, good quick play the ball. He’s pretty agile and mobile, got great attributes to set him up for the future.”

The Round 4 clash will kick off at 12pm at PointsBet Stadium on Friday.

“It’ll be good to play on a dry track and (Cronulla) usually play a pretty expansive game, so it’ll be a reasonable game of footy” Barnes said.

— Jocelyn Airth

LEILUA’S TURNAROUND: ‘ATTITUDE EXCEPTIONAL’

Given his struggles in first grade this season plenty would expect dropped Tigers centre Joey Leilua to be kicking stones and dragging his feet in reserve grade.

But according to Wests Magpies NSW Cup coach Ben Gardiner, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“His attitude has been exceptional,” Gardiner said.

“He really enjoyed what he did last week and as everyone knows, when you’re enjoying what you’re doing you go out and perform.

“He’ll be the first one to say he has things he needs to work on, but last week was a good start, that’s for sure.”

Leilua was dropped from first grade by Michael Maguire after two rough outings to begin the year but showed plenty of his old magic in Wests 50-6 belting of Newcastle last week.

The 29-year old will again be a danger man for the Magpies in their clash with Parramatta on Easter Monday when he locks horns with former Bulldogs and Dragons flyer Tim Lafai.

Gardiner has encouraged Leilua to set a good example for the younger members of the side as the veteran centre looks to work his way back into first grade.

“He’s been very positive, and him and me have spoken about working with some of those younger guys we have in the team and he’s bounced right into it,” Gardiner said.

“He and I have spoken about enjoying his footy, enjoying what he’s doing and making the most of the opportunity he has each week.

“I said he has to take it a week at a time and enjoy playing footy with guys who are young and exuberant in an environment where the pressure isn’t as high.”

Leilua offers plenty of big game experience for the Magpies but their youth brigade is well worth keeping an eye on.

Hooker Jake Simpkin, middle forward Tuki Simpkins and halfback Jock Madden have all impressed in the early stages of the season with Simpkin in particular looking more and more comfortable with each passing week.

“He’s a fella that wants to learn the game and he wants to improve his game,” Gardiner said.

“He’s very diligent for his focus points week to week, the specific things that will make him a better player, as are all the young guys that we’ve got in the team.

“The interesting thing for Jake, and all our young guys, is how little footy they played last year. It’ll take a while for them to hone their game, get their match-fitness and just get used to playing footy again.

“But he’s been really impressive with his diligence and his preparation in getting better on a weekly basis. It’s a really exciting time for him.”

- Nick Campton