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Robinson hopeful of Josh Morris capture

3 minute read

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson is still hopeful Josh Morris will be released from Cronulla to join the NRL premiers in 2020.

Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON
Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson remains hopeful of reuniting the Morris twins at his club this season, confirming negotiations with Cronulla are ongoing.

Following Saturday night's 58-0 loss to Newcastle in their final trial game of the pre-season, the Roosters coach said there is obvious interest in bringing Josh Morris to the club but is unsure of whether it will happen.

The move would unite the Cronulla centre with his twin brother Brett Morris at the NRL premiers for 2020.

"There's no difference from us, the interest is there and we're really positive about wanting him at the club and then it's up to between Cronulla and the Roosters to work it out," he said.

Nine media reported on Saturday that Cronulla was unwilling to release Morris without a transfer fee, and is reluctant to let him go until Matt Moylan is fit to return to the field.

However, the move would work in favour of both clubs with the Sharks needing to release some salary cap pressure and the Roosters looking to replace Latrell Mitchell in the centres.

Morris is also believed to be annoyed the club signed centre Jesse Ramien at the end of last year, a move which is set to force him to the wing once Moylan returns from injury.

Bronson Xerri is expected to fill the other centre position.

Robinson refused to be drawn on whether Morris would play round one for the premiers should a release be negotiated before hand.

"Let's wait," he said.

"There's a lot of water to be passed under the bridge before we're talking about playing him."

Meanwhile, Robinson blooded the club's future players against a near full-strength Knights team at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday night.

Only four players had NRL experience, with the bulk of the squad rested to recover from their victorious World Club Challenge trip to England last weekend.

"It's about recovering the guys from the World Club Challenge. It's the way you've got to do it, whether you like it or not," he said of the inexperienced side.

"Some of those guys were 18,19, 20, 21 and you want to bring them in and around first-graders so they get supported by them. But also you want to see all the faults."

Robinson said mistakes in a trial game allowed for corrections to be made before the players are given an NRL chance.

With a fortnight until they play Penrith in round one, the Roosters will now continue their recovery with a few days off before resuming normal training.

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