EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns spills the beans on Chad Townsend’s unexpected omission before the Roosters-Rabbitohs showdown

Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns has shared some insider information about the Roosters ahead of their highly-anticipated clash against arch-rivals South Sydney this Friday night. He revealed that promising club academy talent Hugo Savala could take the field as halfback, potentially replacing Chad Townsend.

This strategic shift by Roosters coach Trent Robinson aligns with his earlier pre-season remarks, where he emphasised the importance of academy players proving their worth on the NRL stage.

“I’ve picked up some intel, a little whisper… Hugo Savala may be getting a start in the halves,” Johns, who previously coached the Roosters’ halves, mentioned during an episode of Nine’s Freddy and The Eighth.

Although Savala has come off the bench in the Roosters’ last three matches, the former junior from Coogee Wombats is still waiting for his first NRL starting opportunity.

His chance could be just around the corner as the Roosters look to end a two-game losing streak, having last celebrated victory with a thrilling 38-32 win over the defending champions, Penrith, in round two.

This season, the Roosters have conceded 126 points — the only team allowing more is the cellar-dwelling Eels — with their right-edge defence, where Townsend plays, appearing especially suspect.

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At 34, Townsend has underperformed in his role as a temporary replacement for the highly-talented Sam Walker, who is recuperating from an ACL injury.

“That side of the field defensively for the Roosters, featuring Robert Toia and Chad Townsend, has shown some cracks,” Johns added.

“The competition on that flank will involve Cody [Walker], along with Keaon Koloamatangi, [Jye] Gray in the back, and let’s not forget Latrell [Mitchell].”

The Roosters have often faced criticism for acquiring top junior talent from other clubs and signing superstars rather than focusing on nurturing their own homegrown players.

However, in a shift in strategy, the prestigious club set up an academy back in 2021 for young talents aged 13 to 19.

Currently, the Roosters have 12 academy graduates with NRL contracts, including development players.

Savala, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday next week, is an academy graduate on an NRL development contract through to the end of next season.

“We’re committed to playing these youngsters,” Robinson affirmed during a February interview on SEN radio.

“Having established the academy over the past three years, we’re now witnessing these kids making their way up. We have faith in the talent coming through, and they are going to be given a chance to play.”