Trent Robinson’s faith in Sam Verrills and Billy Smith has been rewarded with the pair impressing in limited minutes, but it’s the return of Luke Keary and Connor Watson from injury that has seriously bolstered the tricolours’ premiership hopes. Keary hasn’t played since rupturing his ACL in round three while Watson hasn’t featured since injuring his calf in round two. Tedesco said he was expecting big things from both players, especially Keary. “He’s a special player. We’ve seen over the years what he can do and what he brings to the team,” Tedesco told AAP. “He definitely pulls the strings for us in attack. He’s got a great footy brain. “He’s just a very calming influence out there. You know what you’re going to get from Keary every week. “He’s very consistent and he’s one of our key players. “I’m looking forward to playing with him again and getting some combinations going.” While Tedesco has no doubt Keary will pick up where he left off, he’s unsure what to expect from the likes of Smith and Verrills, who are still relatively inexperienced at NRL level. “I’m not too sure what to expect from them but I can see they’ve improved out of sight from watching them train,” he said. “They’re both playing really well when they get their opportunity. “They’re still young but they’re learning and they’re getting better all the time.” Another player who has impressed Tedesco is recruit Daniel Tupou, who joined the club from Manly in the off-season. “He’s really physical. He likes to carry the ball hard and he’s got a great offload,” Tedesco said. “He’s been really impressive in training and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him.” Despite the Roosters’ strong start to the season, Tedesco is wary of getting ahead of himself. “It’s a long season and there’s a lot of footy to be played,” he said. “We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re just taking it one week at a time.”Angus Crichton, James Tedesco, and Chad Townsend are making big moves within the Sydney Roosters organization. Crichton recently penned a two-year extension with the club, while Tedesco welcomed the signing of Townsend for the 2024 season. Townsend’s one-year deal will serve as a bridge between the time when Sam Walker and Sandon Smith are ready to take on the weekly pressures of the NRL. Townsend’s experience will be vital to the Roosters’ hopes of maintaining a challenge in 2025, as several key players, including Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, and Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, prepare to depart.Angus Crichton, James Tedesco, and Chad Townsend are making big moves within the Sydney Roosters organization. Crichton recently penned a two-year extension with the club, while Tedesco welcomed the signing of Townsend for the 2024 season. Townsend’s one-year deal will serve as a bridge between the time when Sam Walker and Sandon Smith are ready to take on the weekly pressures of the NRL. Townsend’s experience will be vital to the Roosters’ hopes of maintaining a challenge in 2025, as several key players, including Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, and Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, prepare to depart. Crichton, who had initially expected to leave the club after being dropped for the season-opener in Las Vegas, fought back and has been a standout for the Roosters and the NSW State of Origin side. Crichton revealed that he had been preparing to finish his career on a high after being told that he would not be re-signed. However, he has since earned a two-year extension. The Roosters have also secured the signing of Mark Nawaqanitawase, who will join the club after his Olympic sevens exploits. Nawaqanitawase’s adaptation to the 13-man code may take time, but his addition will give the Roosters a boost heading into the back end of the season.Trent Robinson has backed recruit Lachlan Townsend to bring winning experience to the Sydney Roosters after the former North Queensland and Cronulla forward joined the club on a one-year deal. The 25-year-old second-rower, who has played 72 NRL games, spent the past three seasons at the Cowboys and played six games for the Sharks at the end of 2019. Townsend was part of the Cowboys’ 2015 premiership-winning team and Robinson said he would add “a lot of value off the field and on it”. “He’s got a really good footy brain and he’s played in some big games,” Robinson said. “He’s a young man but he’s got a lot of experience. He’s won a comp and played in big games so he knows what it takes to win. “He’s a good communicator and he’s a leader. He’s going to add a lot of value to our team.” Townsend said he was looking forward to joining the Roosters and playing under Robinson. “I’m really excited to be joining the Roosters,” Townsend said. “They’re a successful club with a great culture and I’m looking forward to being a part of that. “Trent Robinson is one of the best coaches in the game and I’m looking forward to learning from him.” Townsend is expected to play in the second row for the Roosters, alongside Angus Crichton and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.