Aubusson named as Roosters No.7 for NRL GF

Are the Sydney Roosters planning one of the biggest gambles in NRL grand final history or is Trent Robinson playing mind games with Melbourne?

The Roosters on Tuesday raised the eyebrows of the rugby league world when they named Mitchell Aubusson at halfback for Sunday's clash with the Storm.

With Cooper Cronk in extreme doubt because of a rotator cuff injury, Aubusson has been named in the No.7 jumper.

Cronk will be given up until kick-off to prove he is fit to face his former club and has been named in the No.23 jumper.

Sean O'Sullivan, who has just one game under his belt, was considered the most likely option and he could yet come into the team after being named on an extended bench.

Ryan Matterson, who filled in at five-eighth for three games late in the year when Luke Keary was missing, could also be shifted from the bench into the halves.

Aubusson has been described by coach Robinson as the ultimate clubman after the unheralded utility this year brought up his 250th game for the tricolours.

However just two of his NRL appearance have been in the halves and both were in his debut year in 2007, including his maiden appearance against South Sydney.

Over the course of his career, Aubusson has played 106 games in the second-row, 89 at centre, 57 off the bench, six at lock and two at hooker.

Meanwhile, as expected, Latrell Mitchell and Dylan Napa have been named after returning from suspension.

Centre Mitchell takes the place of Paul Momirovski, who has returned to the bench, while Napa has been named to start on the pine.

For the Storm, they have named Billy Slater at fullback ahead of his judiciary hearing on Tuesday night.

Jahrome Hughes has been listed at No.19 and is the man most likely to come in if Slater is unsuccessful.

Ryan Hoffman has also been named on an extended bench although he is unlikely to play before he retires at the end of the season.