Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney back Mitchell Aubusson to play halfback in grand final

The Sydney Roosters’ last premiership‑winning halves pairing Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney say Mitchell Aubusson is the right man to fill Cooper Cronk’s No.7 jumper if the champion halfback is ruled out of tomorrow’s NRL grand final against the Melbourne Storm.

Most experts believe Roosters coach Trent Robinson was only playing mind games when he named utility Aubusson to start at halfback for the first time in his career for tomorrow’s decider at ANZ Stadium.

But both 2013 premiership winners Pearce and Maloney have backed Luke Keary to take the reins as a sole playmaker, leaving Aubusson to play as a defensive option on the edge and ball runner.

Cronk’s availability to face his former club is unlikely to be announced until an hour before kick off tomorrow night, well after the Roosters’ last training run today.

The  Storm will play the Roosters at 9.20pm tomorrow in the NRL Grand Final.

[Source:FoxSports]

SPONSORED