The standout player for the Roosters, Nat Butcher, said he had to “take a look in the mirror” following what he called a “disappointing” start to the season. Had Victor Radley not injured his hamstring, Butcher would have been benched on Anzac Day.
After his team defeated the Dragons 60–18, coach Trent Robinson announced that Radley would move from lock to the edge for the match, with Butcher starting on the bench.
That never materialised, as Butcher scored two tries in what was easily his best performance of the year. His brother Egan also turned in a magnificent flip ball to set up a late touchdown for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Before the game, Robinson stated, “He was going to be dropped to the bench and ‘Rads’ was going to start.”
“He was aware of his lack of form, and Rads’s exit provided him with a reprieve.”
He deserves praise for his ability to manage that, comprehend it, and then return to the game and perform as well as he did.
“I was rather pleased with Nat. He plays excellent defence, but when he lets his guard down, he may also possess those qualities offensively.
Butcher has been one of the team’s most dependable right edge players. Although he was making a lot of tackles this season, his offensive production drastically decreased until he made a huge comeback in front of a boisterous crowd.
“I guess I expected it because I haven’t been satisfied with my performance lately. The last several weeks have been somewhat disappointing,” he replied, knowing full well that he would be let go.
I wanted to go back to the basics and play my best football, so Robbo and I had a nice conversation about it.
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