NRL 2024: Michael Jennings takes massive step towards NRL comeback

Roosters coach Trent Robinson says veteran five-eighth Luke Keary will be back “sooner rather than later” after displaying symptoms that are “chalk and cheese” from what he’s shown when he’s suffered head knocks in the past.

Keary wasn’t named to face the Rabbitohs in Friday’s blockbuster local derby after he came off late against Manly when his head collided with Tom Trbojevic’s knee as he chased a loose ball.

The five-eighth has a lengthy history with concussions, which is why everyone is so worried when he suffers any form of head trauma, but his coach is adamant this latest setback is nowhere near as bad as his previous ones.

“He’s been outstanding, actually, from not long after the game,” Robinson said.

“Obviously, a slight concussion but I’ve seen ‘Kez’ at different times with different symptoms and he’s been really good from when he walked back in the door on Monday.

“And he’s very open and honest with how he’s feeling, so it’s a good progression now, it’s step by step.

“Without a doubt (it’s less serious). I’m not (commenting) about what the impact was but definitely the symptoms are chalk and cheese with what I’ve seen a few years ago.

“(He’ll be back sooner rather than later) would be the plan if the progressions continue like they have been already.”

Keary’s injury opens the door for Sandon Smith to start in the halves, with the 21-year-old impressing in his rookie season and in his two games off the bench to start the season.

“He’s been in our system for a long time, we’ve developed him in those roles, both playing half and five-eighth, he’s filled in for Sam (Walker),” Robinson said.

“The three of those guys have been on a rotation all pre-season. Obviously, the dominant (halves) being Sam and Luke, but Sandon, we actually had to put him back in 14 in mid-February because we hadn’t done enough training with him there.

“He trained all pre-season as a half. It’s a good opportunity for him and I’m really confident in the experiences he’s had over the last two seasons now to be ready for this.”

While guys like Smith and Walker are at the start of their careers, 35-year-old Michael Jennings is looking to revive his after he was banned for three years for taking banned substances while he was with the Eels.

The veteran scored a famous try for the Roosters in the 2013 grand final, and Robinson says the door is open for him to play NRL this season, with Jennings named 18th man for the South Sydney game.

“There’s a desire to rewrite his story,” he said.

“It’s pretty simple for me that there was a carrot there to get his life and career back on track and that was himself but also through the Roosters.

“I didn’t feel like he was done, he didn’t feel like he was done, but he’s had to work for it. That’s come with high-quality training and then some really good performances in reserve grade.

“He’s been a Rooster, he’s done some things on the field that we need to thank him for. It’s time to finish his career in the right way and rewrite it as it should’ve been.

“Definitely (he’s a chance to play NRL). That’s what he’s here for. We know we’ve got that (depth), but we like to think some of them might be missing at different times as well throughout the year.

“That would be ideal and the man can play footy still. That’ll be about getting him into a position and we want to get him towards 300 games.”

Robinson also confirmed that the club was still in negotiations to re-sign Terrell May, with the in-demand prop set to attract huge offers from rivals.

“We’ve been very clear over the last six months with Terrell about where we’re at with him and his manager. Nothing’s changed for us. It’s pretty clear that we’re in negotiations with him at the moment,” he said.