New South Wales State of Origin star Reece Robson is diligently preparing for his highly anticipated debut with the Sydney Roosters next month, approaching the milestone with renewed vigour following the announcement that his family is expanding.
Personal and Professional Milestones
Robson's partner, Ellie Carmichael, shared a baby scan on Instagram, confirming the couple's joyful news. They are already proud parents to daughter Hazel, who was born in early 2024. This personal happiness coincides with a major professional advancement for the 27-year-old hooker.
A Lucrative Move to the Tricolours
Robson has joined the Sydney Roosters from the North Queensland Cowboys on a substantial four-year deal. According to reports from the Daily Mail, this contract is valued at approximately $3 million. This significant move follows his first-grade debut with the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2018 and a subsequent transfer to the Cowboys two years later.
Robson expressed his gratitude for his time with the Cowboys, acknowledging the pivotal role played by coach Todd Payten and general manager Michael Luck in his development. "They've been great and gave me my real shot in the NRL and the opportunity to play my best football," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I owe them a lot for that, and that's why it was so hard for me to make the decision to leave."
Elevating His Game with New Teammates
Robson is optimistic about elevating his performance by playing alongside established stars like James Tedesco and fellow new recruit Daly Cherry-Evans. He believes stepping out of his comfort zone once again will propel his game to new heights. "Now I'm probably at a point where I can step out of that comfort zone again and elevate my game to another level with a different perspective on football and playing a different style," Robson explained.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Captain James Tedesco has welcomed Robson's arrival, recognising his potential as a significant asset at dummy-half. Tedesco also praised the professionalism and leadership of Cherry-Evans, who joined from the Manly Sea Eagles. "Daly has been awesome with his professionalism and his leadership," Tedesco remarked. "He has come into a new environment and just got to work as he adjusts to our playing style. It takes a lot of pressure off me to be the main voice, the way he is able to get a message across very calmly and clearly to the team...it will be invaluable."
Season Outlook and Premiership Odds
The Sydney Roosters, under coach Trent Robinson, will commence their 2026 campaign with an away match against the New Zealand Warriors on March 6 in Auckland. According to the TAB, the team is currently rated a $7.00 chance to win the premiership, positioned behind favourites Brisbane at $5.00 and Penrith at $6.00.
As Robson balances the excitement of impending fatherhood with the challenge of securing his Origin spot with the Blues, his journey with the Roosters represents a pivotal chapter in his career, marked by both personal joy and professional ambition.
