Nervy Roosters give Symonds a debut - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Nervy Roosters give Symonds a debut

By Ian McCullough 22/05/2009 04:00:00 PM Comments (0)

Sydney Roosters' coach Brad Fittler believes the enthusiasm of young utility Tommy Symonds could help kick-start his struggling side's NRL season at Penrith on Saturday.

Twenty-year-old Symonds, who can play at five-eighth or hooker, will replace Mitch Aubusson, who has a back problem, on the bench for the Roosters.

"He is a very impressive kid from the younger grades and has been playing in the Sydney City comp and he gets his debut this week," said Fittler.

"He is a good footy player and a good kid he has a dig every week. The fans will enjoy him playing as they have in the 20s and the coaching staff have big hopes for him.

"He'll come with his game and every game I have seen him play he throws everything at it, and I am looking forward to see him play."

Symonds, whose grandfather founded the Bondi United club, said he can't wait for a taste of the NRL.

"I'm really excited, really nervous too," he said. "I came into training after last week's match and Freddy came up to me on Tuesday and had a chat. He said that I'd probably get a game this week.

"I told the family to keep it on the down-low but that didn't really work. I've been getting calls and texts all week.

"I just want to get out there on Saturday night and do my job well for the team."

Fittler said he is still confident his side can address their poor start to the season and admitted his players were lacking self-belief.

"I still believe we have got the footy in us, it is down to us to find that belief," he said.

"It's a tough game when results are going against you and you feel like the world is on your shoulders."

Despite three successive defeats and sitting second-last on the ladder, Fittler said he is still enjoying the challenge of turning around the Roosters' fortunes.

"You don't smile as much when you are losing but I am still enjoying turning up for work. It's a good challenge, it's never easy but that's life," he said.

"We turn up for training every morning trying to do what we can to get us a win and we will get there."

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