Zac Montgomery, Josh Bevan, and Thomas Deakin will look to use their experience from training with the Roosters’ NRL squad to help lead the Club to a successful SG Ball campaign.
The trio got a taste of NRL standards when they trained in the Roosters’ pre-season program before Christmas, and Montgomery said the experience has significantly helped their development as they prepare for the 2021.
“It was pretty good being around older heads, and being around boys that have done it all,” Montgomery, who plays as a second row forward, said.
“There was a lot to take from it mentally and physically, but helped us grow as people as well.”
The SG Ball squad this year combines the Sydney and Central Coast Roosters teams that were in the 2020 SG Ball competition.
Montgomery and Deakin were part of the Central Coast side in 2020, while Bevan was part of a Sydney Roosters side that was in contention to play finals before the competition was suspended due to COVID-19.
Bevan, who plays at lock, is excited to play with Montgomery and Deakin this season.
“As a team, we have bonded really well,” Bevan said.
“A lot of us boys were split up, some of us with Jersey Flegg and us three with the top squad, but considering we’ve only got a week until round one, I think we will go really well.
“We are tight mates and it is going to go well.
“(Last season) we were on a pretty good roll and was supposed to go to New Zealand that week when COVID struck and told to go home.
“It was pretty devastating. But considering we’ve got two teams joining (together), I think we are going to be bigger and stronger.”
Deakin said that although the competition for spots is fierce, everyone is trying to help each other.
“I think the vibe is really good. There is no one trying to pull other people down to get the spot,” Deakin, who plays at hooker, said.
“Everyone is trying to work together for the same goal, it doesn’t matter if you’re number one or number 24.
“We want to take out this comp and everyone is going in the right direction for it.”
Montgomery echoed his team mates comments about the team’s culture.
“There is talent all over the roster. We are competing every week for spots, not only to be in top spot but also to improve yourself,” he said.
“When you’ve got players like Joshy and Tommy around you, you want to play better for yourself and want to play well for them, so I am really looking forward to it.”
The Roosters’ SG Ball team start the season this Saturday, taking on Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground.
After starting pre-season training in November, the SG Ball squad has looked impressive during the trials.
They were dominant in the opening trial against St George Dragons, and in the second week played a half against Illawarra and Manly – recording wins against both teams.
The SG Ball squad had a small presentation after training last Saturday, with Roosters great Mitchell Aubusson addressing the players before presenting them with their 2021 training gear.
SG BALL DRAW
- Round 1, February 6: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 1pm at Belmore Sports Ground
- Round 2, February 13: Illawarra Steelers, 1pm at Mascot Oval
- Round 3, February 20: Bye
- Round 4, February 27: Victoria Thunderbolts, 2pm at Casey Fields (Melbourne)
- Round 5, March 6: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, 4pm at Bill Hicks Oval (Wyong)
- Round 6, March 13: North Sydney Bears, 12pm at Macquarie University Sports Field
- Round 7, March 20: Western Suburbs Magpies, 3pm at Morry Breen Oval (Wyong)
- Round 8, March 27: Parramatta Eels, 2pm at New Era Stadium
- Round 9, April 3: Canberra Raiders, 2.30pm at Mascot Oval
