Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Luckless Verrills in another NRL setback

Sam Verrills will miss at least the first month of the NRL season after breaking his thumb. (AAP)

Sam Verrills' fight to keep the Sydney Roosters' No.9 jersey has been put on hold after he required surgery on a broken thumb.

Verrills was due to miss the Roosters' NRL opener against Newcastle due to suspension, but was hurt in training in the lead up to the club.

It's expected he will now miss at least the first month of the NRL season, with Connor Watson to hold onto the hooker role.

The injury comes as a blow to Verrills, who has been adamant he wants to stay on as Roosters hooker once Brandon Smith arrives next year.

"I am the hooker at the club now and I don't plan on giving that up," Verrills told AAP earlier this month.

"I am signed until 2024. I haven't spoken with anyone. My passion is the Roosters."

The injury is the latest in a string of unlucky hits for the 23-year-old.

His 2020 season was ruined by an ACL injury, while he also suffered a detached retina last year.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.