Keary backs his untested Roosters' combo

Luke Keary and Mitchell Pearce will head into the Sydney Roosters' NRL season-opener against Gold Coast without having played a minute together in pre-season.

NRL player Luke Keary

Roosters signing Luke Keary is confident of gelling quickly with NRL halves partner Mitchell Pearce. (AAP)

He's yet to play a minute with new halves partner Mitchell Pearce but refreshed Sydney Roosters signing Luke Keary is confident they'll gel quickly.

Ahead of Saturday's NRL season-opener against Gold Coast, Keary played down any concern about not playing alongside rested halfback Pearce in the pre-season trials.

"Obviously a lot of the training we do, we try to simulate games as much as possible. He's had a full pre-season, I had a full pre-season." Keary said on Monday.

"It shouldn't be a hindrance. It's a long season. You train enough together to know each other.

"I've got to know him pretty well, so it shouldn't be too bad."

Keary arrives at Moore Park after a tumultuous start to his career at South Sydney, which included helping the club to a drought-breaking premiership in 2015.

He sensationally fell out with Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe during a pre-season camp last year and was unable to keep his spot in a losing season.

He has also lost his past seven NRL matches.

The 25-year-old said he enjoyed a far more settled summer at his new home, where his football has been revitalised under coach Trent Robinson.

"It's a bit of a rollercoaster," he said.

"I've got a lot more stability and a clear head since I've come here. I've got to just knuckle down, concentrate on footy. I'm feeling really fresh at the moment.

"(Robinson) obviously brings a fresh perspective on things. I've only ever been at the one club. To get a different voice has been refreshing."

Keary played in both the Roosters' trials losses to North Queensland and Manly, however both games were without rested key men Pearce and skipper Boyd Cordner.

Second-rower Aidan Guerra said Keary stood up in their defeat to the Sea Eagles.

"He was more on-ball, he was more playing as a halfback. You could really notice the difference when he was there. He was really vocal," he said.

"We're looking forward to having Pearcey there barking orders and Luke obviously playing a little bit wider, calling the ball when he wants it.

"Although they haven't played there together, they've done multiple sessions."

Keary is one of two new faces expected to line-up against the Titans, including fullback Michael Gordon, with young gun Latrell Mitchell moving to the centres.


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Source: AAP



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