Signing news at the Roosters has continued, with the club confirming that former NRL half Scott Dureau and Cronulla Sharks utility back Nathan Stapleton signing with the club.
Dureau, who is on loan for the rest of the season with the Roosters, was previously at the Catalan Dragons, a French side in the English Super League.
Named the Super League Player of the Year in 2012, Dureau has previously played for the Newcastle Knights, making 42 appearances for the club.
With the need for a back-up half after the departure of Daniel Mortimer, the move to get Dureau was fortuitous as Catalans brought in a player and it opened up an opportunity for Scott at the Roosters.
“Yeah, it was pretty sudden,” said Dureau.
“Basically the Dragons had brought in a new player and it meant that I was de-registered and not able to play for the rest of the year”.
“Just happened that I spoke to Trent and he offered me an opportunity and I took it with both hands”.
Familiar with Roosters coach Trent Robinson during his time as Catalan Dragons coach, Dureau kept in contact.
“Definitely. Robbo’s been my coach for a few years now, so we’ve stayed in touch quite a bit,” said Dureau.
“When Robbo gave me the call and offered me an opportunity here, I was very happy to take it up.”
As for Nathan Stapleton, he has some solid NRL experience to his name having played in 61 games – all for the Sharks – and he will add some much needed depth to the Roosters stocks.
The opportunity was there and Stapleton took it with both hands.
“Yeah, the opportunity was there and I can’t wait to get stuck into it,” said Stapleton.
The new move happened quite quickly and it took Stapleton by surprise.
“It’s come about pretty quick actually,” said Stapleton.
“Sort of happened the last couple of days. Pretty much finished the game on the weekend, got told that I might be coming here, rang my CEO, they linked up and yeah, pretty much jumped at the opportunity to come here.”
