The Sydney Roosters are facing a crisis at hooker, with coach Trent Robinson admitting the very real prospect of having to roll out a fifth-string NRL dummy-half against Melbourne is almost "laughable".
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The Roosters' woes in the No.9 spot continued in Saturday's win over Cronulla, with third-stringer Freddy Lussick suffering a suspected broken arm.
With concussions forcing Jake Friend to retire during the week and Sam Verrills still three weeks away from a return, Lussick lasted just 17 minutes against the Sharks.
Rookie Ben Marschke was solid playing big minutes off the bench to cover Lussick's absence, offering great service in the come-from-behind win.
However, Marschke is now facing a two-week suspension after being charged for a grade one crusher tackle on Mawene Hiroti.
The 23-year-old can escape with just a one-week ban with an early guilty plea, but risks a fortnight on the sideline should the Roosters fight the charge and lose.
"It'd be nice to get one back or I'll be back to our third-string team there, when it comes to (looking for) hookers," Robinson said.
"We've got some utilities there but I'll either be going back to SG Ball or one of those teams to find a No.9.
"We've got one of our guys that comes in trains with us once a week for SG Ball.
"I'm not crying poor there. This is where guys get opportunities often when other guys are injured.
"We'll just keep going and keep finding a guy. I thought that's what Ben's done, he's been in our system, stepped up."
The Roosters have makeshift dummy-half Coby Thomas playing hooker on the weekend in NSW Cup this weekend, while Marschke's brother Jesse is coming off the bench.
Robinson has other options too.
Victor Radley has previously spent time at dummy-half but is considered an out-and-out lock now, with the way he engages the line crucial to a Roosters attack that is already without Luke Keary.
Drew Hutchison could be used at hooker but he is playing at five-eighth and that would require reshuffle that would likely mean Joey Manu moving to the halves.
Adam Keighran and Lachlan Lam would otherwise be the Roosters' other options, but the pair are both still injured.
"It's pretty rare (to be this stretched in a position) after five games," Robinson said.
"It's quite laughable, to be honest.
"But if you get negative about it, you'll get a negative result.
"If you get positive about whoever you pick and you believe they're ready, they'll play well.
"So that's what we'll do."
Australian Associated Press
