Taking over the no.9 jersey from one of the greatest hookers in Club history is a daunting task, but Sam Verrills took on the opportunity and proved himself as a worthy successor.
At just 20 years of age, Verrills shot onto the NRL scene in 2019, making his first career appearance in the unforgettable 21-20 win over the Melbourne Storm in Round 6.
| Name: | Sam Verrills |
| DOB: | 13/01/1999 |
| Club Debut: | Round 6, 2019 vs Melbourne Storm |
| Roosters Player No. | 1185 |
| Premierships: | 1 (2019) |
| First-Grade Games for Club: | 48 |
| First-Grade Points for Club: | 28 from 7 tries |
| Records and Achievements | Arthur Beetson Medal (2018) First try-scorer 2019 NRL Grand Final First hooker in Club history to win a Premiership in rookie season |
When disaster struck in July with Captain and incumbent hooker Jake Friend ruled out with a broken forearm, the fledgling 20-year-old stepped up to the plate seamlessly.
His first four-pointer in the NRL put the icing on the cake in the 58-6 demolition of the Gold Coast Titans in Round 20, foreshadowing the impact he would have on the biggest day of all.
Verrills Scores the Opener From Close Range
Retaining the no.9 jersey as Friend recuperated, Verrills quickly became a fan favourite with his quick service and tenacity in defence.
Then came the Grand Final, and a chance to etch himself in Roosters history.
With Friend making a miraculous return from the interchange bench, Verrills' form was rewarded as he took the starting spot and just six minutes in, he grabbed his chance to dart from dummy half and score the first try of the match in a determined and calculated effort.
The Sydney Roosters has been such a big part of my life, and I’ll always be grateful to Robbo, the players and all the staff at the Club for everything they have done for me, and for the memories and lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way.
Sam Verrills On his time at the Club
His 50-minute stint resulted in a linebreak, 35 tackles and most importantly, the 2019 NRL Premiership.
Season 2020 started in a promising fashion for the young rake as he deputised for Friend from the interchange bench in the opening six matches, however, in his first match starting, disaster struck as he succumbed to the dreaded ACL injury.
With Friend making an unprecedented final appearance after Round 1 of 2021, the famous no.9 jersey was suddenly vacant, and the successor was ready to strike while the iron was hot.
Verrills Sends Walker Over
Not deterred by his recent setback, Verrills slogged through the rehabilitation to find himself back in action for ANZAC Day, sending Lindsay Collins over for the match-sealing try in the 34-10 victory with a silky-smooth bullet.
Determined more than ever, he fought through to entrench himself as the side's hooker in the final 12 matches of the season before suspension ended his year in the first week of finals.
Season 2022 saw the crafty hooker play the most games of his career in a season yet, and despite a collarbone injury keeping him on the sidelines, he featured in the last 11 matches of the season.
His sleight of hand through the middle of the ruck was imperative to the side's eight-match winning streak, which saw him star with two tries and an assist against the second-placed Cowboys in Round 22.
Verrills' Double Against the Cowboys
In his 48th and final appearance for the Club, the 23-year-old left nothing in the tank with a mammoth 54 tackles to his name in one of the most intense matches in recent memory.
While he may be donning other colours in 2023, Sam Verrills will always remain in the hearts and minds of Members, supporters and officials as a Rooster.
