Star Rooster was supposed to be axed

Roosters star Nat Butcher has revealed he had to “have a look in the mirror” after what he says was a “disappointing” start to the season that would have dumped to the bench on Anzac Day had Victor Radley not hurt his hamstring.

Coach Trent Robinson confirmed after his side’s 60-18 win over the Dragons that Radley was going to shift from lock to the edge for the game, with Butcher to start on the bench.

That never played out, and Butcher had his best game of the year with two tries, while his brother Egan also produced a moment of magic with a flick pass to set up Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for a late try.

“He was going to get dropped to the bench before the game and ‘Rads’ was going to start,” Robinson said.

“He knew he was out of form and he got a reprieve with Rads coming out.

“It’s a credit to him to be able to handle that, understand it and then come back in and play the way he did.

“I was really proud of Nat. He’s a really good defensive player, but he’s got those attributes in attack when he lets himself open up.”

Butcher has been one of the club’s most reliable players on the right edge, and while he was making plenty of tackles, his contributions in attack dropped off significantly this year before he bounced back in a big way in front of a heaving crowd.

“I was probably expecting it because I haven’t been happy with the way that I’ve been playing. The past couple of weeks have been pretty disappointing,” he said, fully aware that he was going to be dropped.

“Robbo and I had a good chat about it, and I wanted to get back to basics and my best footy.

“I had to have a look in the mirror.

“Rads goes down in training and then I’m playing back row. I was confident in myself because I know my ability and what I’m capable of.”

The reality check coupled with the return of Sam Walker seemed to spark Butcher back to his old self, with the edge forward latching onto a grubber to score in the second half in a play we’ve seen so many times in the past.

“I’ve been a bit up and down, and I’ve probably been a bit inconsistent over the year,” he said.

“To be on that right edge and be there for the 80 minutes was something I enjoyed because it’s my favourite position to play.

“Having Sammy back and having guys outside me like Joey Manu and Dom Young certainly makes it a lot easier.”