The Sydney Roosters have ended their pursuit of Bulldogs hooker Michael Lichaa, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The reigning premiers will instead turn to rising talents Victor Radley and Sam Verills to fill the role while co-captain Jake Friend recovers from a biceps injury.
Radley is set to get first crack at the starting job, while Verills will get more opportunities after his impressive debut against the Storm in round six.
Utility Mitchell Aubusson could also be called upon to play the No. 9 if required, with Friend looking at a four-month stint on the sidelines.
The Roosters face the Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.
Thank God for that, Friend will be back in 12 weeks and there is 2 byes in that period, Roosters have stacks of depth so there eas never any need for the Canterbury reject.😏
NO.
ONE.
CARES.
100% agree!
soufffffffffffs d “TRANSIT LOUNGE” do, they may need a back up in Origin time 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣👍
Latrell mitchell’s dad matty mitchell wants his son to sign with souths…stay tuned…
What!!! The Roosters get two byes? That’s just f’ing typical.