Who would have thought that a young red-headed kid from the city, could have so much impact, and be on top of the NRL try-scorers list after just 1 round?
That kid, is Roosters utility Tom Symonds. Symonds, who has been based in the Eastern Suburbs since his birth in Bronte, Paddington and Randwick, was all but destined to play for the Roosters.
”It’s quite a small junior base, and that’s the reason there’s not too many coming through, but I’m really proud to be a Roosters junior,” the 22-year-old said.
”I was born into Roosters footy.”
For many, they would have not heard much about him before his stellar effort against the Bunnies last Friday night, but for those who have, they could see the talent in Symonds from the minute he first played.
Unfortunately, all has not been cut and dry for Symonds, as for two successive seasons in 2009 and 2010, he suffered injuries that effectively ended his season. In 2011, that is not going to happen, according to the man himself.
Given Symonds passion for the Roosters and their club, when the Roosters trailed in that game, it was not simply about scoring a try, but getting the Roosters back in front.
”I was stoked that we got back in front,” he said. ”I was really excited to get across the line but I was more relieved to have won.”
With five-eighth Todd Carney set to make his return, it is hard to believe that despite his near man-of-the-match performance in Round 1, Symonds might just be forced out of the side as a result.
”It was an awesome start to the year,” he said. ”But it’s finished for now. We’ve got another game this weekend. It was good while it lasted but I’ve got new challenges this week.
”My goal is to play as many first-grade games as I can. I’ve got lots of competition, so it’s not going to be easy. It’s quite a hard task for [coach Brian Smith]. We did get the win but someone’s going to have to miss out. If that does happen, I’m all right with that. I’ll just work hard, and hopefully get another crack.”
There is one keepsake for Symonds that he might just make sure he keeps, for the time being at least.
”I’ll have to take a photo of the try-scorer list – I’m sure it won’t last.”