Lachlan Lam Facetimes dad Adrian after dream NRL debut against Sea Eagles
Magical, brilliant, and faultless were just three of the words used to described Luke Keary after the Roosters No.6 put on a playmaking masterclass to ruin Des Hasler’s return to Brookvale Oval.
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Trent Robinson has anointed Luke Keary as the heir apparent to Cooper Cronk after the Roosters No.6 put on a first half masterclass.
In a flawless 40-minute display that ruined Des Hasler’s return to Brookvale Oval, Keary laid on four tries against Manly to set up the 26-18 win.
With both Cronk and Jake Friend failing to take the field, Keary proved why he deserves to be known as one of the game’s best playmakers.
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“He showed he could both control the game and be an instinctive player,’’ Robinson said. “Tonight I thought he did both. In the first half he really controlled the game and then he had his ability to play his game as well.
“He is going to be a dominate player of the future.’’
Laying on tries for Brett Morris, Boyd Cordner and a double for Daniel Tupou, Keary helped the Roosters pile on 22 first half points to keep the Sea Eagles winless.
“Cooper can stay as long as he wants,’’ Keary said.
SHOCK LATRELL SWITCH
Trent Robinson hinted at a full-time switch to the halves for Latrell Mitchell after the barnstorming centre made a shock move to No.6.
Regarded as one of the game’s most devastating ball runners, Mitchell has spent the pre-season training as a back up five-eighth.
“I have been training him as our in game five-eighth,’’ Robinson said. “Because if something happens you have to be ready for different scenarios. If something happens in a game he will go to No.6. He has the skill and the qualities to play there.’’
ANOTHER SLICE OF LAM
A former ball-boy who was once afraid of the Roosters mascot started his push to become Keary’s long-term halves partner at Bondi.
Following in his famous father Adrian’s footsteps, Lachlan Lam gave Roosters fans a glimpse of the future when he made his NRL debut.
“I thought he was very good,’’ Robinson said.
“He had some very good touches at times. He had a nice kick to get us in position and obviously the kick for Boyd’s try. It was a very good debut.’’
Now head coach of the Wigan Warriors, Adrian watched his son’s debut from the UK.
Lachlan Facetimed Adrian after the match to discuss the game with his proud father.
“Adrian has had an impact on his career,’’ Robinson said.
“He coached him (in the Roosters lower grades). He has been with him the whole way through and it was a very big moment for both of them.’’
BROOKIE MONSTERS
There was no fairytale return to Brookvale Oval for Des Hasler with the returning son suffering a first up defeat in his Manly homecoming.
Returning to Brookvale wearing the colours he played in for the first time since 2011, Hasler could not evoke the halcyon days of 2011 when he coach Manly to ten consecutive Brookvale wins.
“I didn’t get caught up to much in that,’’ Hasler said
“There were two points at stake and we were playing against a classy opponent. It could have been a different result if we handled ourselves better.’’
FIELD OF SCREAMS
Brett Morris blamed Brookvale Oval for a knee injury that could see him sidelined for two months.
The Roosters recruit suffered his second knee injury at Brookvale on Saturday night during the Roosters’ win.
“I like coming to suburban grounds but there comes a point where you have to look at player safety and for me personally this is the second time my knee has gone fully into the surface and I have been injured as a result.
“The surfaces need to be looked at.’’
Robinson called on the NRL to examine all grounds before matches.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS 26 (B Cordner 2 D Tupou 2 B Morris tries L Mitchell 3 goals) bt MANLY 18 (M FainuM Suli J Trbojevic tries D Cherry-Evans 3 goals) at Lottoland. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Chris Butler.
Originally published as Lachlan Lam Facetimes dad Adrian after dream NRL debut against Sea Eagles
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