Rex Bassingthwaighte Gets Roosters Bench Spot For Dolphins Vs Roosters

Rex Bassingthwaighte has been named on the Sydney Roosters’ six-man interchange bench for dolphins vs roosters on Friday night, putting him in line for an NRL debut. The move comes with the Roosters missing seven State of Origin representatives, and it hands a promoted junior a first-grade opening he has been building toward for years.

Rex Bassingthwaighte On The Bench

The 18-year-old from Dubbo has surged into the frame after a strong rise through the club’s pathway. He joined the Roosters after a stint with the Western Rams in the 2023 Under-16s Andrew Johns Cup, won the club’s Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year award in his first season, and helped deliver back-to-back Under-19s SG Ball Cup titles.

He was also named Player of the Match in this year’s SG Ball grand final before being promoted to the Top 30 roster and signing a long-term deal through the end of 2028. Friday night now offers the next step: a seat on the bench that could turn into his first NRL minutes.

James Tedesco On Fullback

James Tedesco has already pointed to Bassingthwaighte as more than a short-term fill-in. He said, “He trained with us in the pre-season last year. Love him. We got along really well (and he’s) a really exciting young player,” and added, “(Rex’s) fast, agile, got good hands, and I think he’s going to be a real talent.”

Tedesco also said, “He had shoulder surgery this year, which pulled him out for most of the year. He wasn’t able to play union for his school, but he’ll be doing a pre-season with us next year.” He finished the assessment bluntly: “He can fit in anywhere in the backs to sort of start off his career, but fullback definitely for the future.”

Roosters Injury Pressure

That pathway has opened because the Roosters arrive without seven State of Origin representatives. The club’s depth will be tested immediately against the Dolphins, and Bassingthwaighte’s bench spot gives the staff another option in a week where the senior spine is stretched.

For Bassingthwaighte, the chance is straightforward: hold a bench place, get into the game if called, and turn a long-term contract into a debut. He said, “It’d be huge (to make my debut). You grow up wanting to play rugby league and it would be surreal,” and also, “Being at this club, such a historical club to be in the Roosters jersey is pretty cool.”