Sydney Roosters trio Jackson Hastings, Matt McIlwrick and Mitch Aubusson will have a three-way shootout for the vacant Roosters No.9 jersey during the club's final NRL trial against Manly on the Central Coast on Saturday.
The club's No.9 and newly announced co-captain Jake Friend is expected to miss at least the first four weeks of the NRL season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Hastings, McIlwrick and Aubusson have spent equal time in the role during the pre-season and coach Trent Robinson said no decision had been made on who was at the top of the pecking order.
Utility Aubusson played back-up to Friend last year and started at No.9 in his absence in the first week of the finals.
McIlwrick has been recruited from Canberra and captain Mitch Pearce said he had made a strong impression during the pre-season.
While Hastings, 19, is considered one of the brightest young playmaking talents in the competition and performed admirably when he debuted in the unfamiliar role last year.
"He's a tough little bloke and he trains hard and he wants to be a great player," Pearce said of Hastings.
"When he stepped up last year he played really well in the role and hopefully he keeps working hard and plays some good footy.
"We need someone to step in that job in the start of the season."
Friend is estimated to be eight weeks away from returning but he said he was pleased with his progress.
He has been doing light training and fitness sessions with the playing group but was awaiting permission to begin doing weights and contact work.
"I've got to see the specialist in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully I can start setting a few dates as to when I'll be back," Friend said.
"At the moment it's going really well and I'm getting lots of strength back in my shoulder."
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