Kiwis second-rower Sonny Bill Williams has been named in a star-studded Sydney Roosters side to face Newcastle in an NRL trial in Wyong this weekend.
The Roosters will have 10 of their grand final heroes on the NSW Central Coast compared to five at this weekend's Auckland Nines where New Zealander Williams would have been a major drawcard.
Joining Williams is captain Anthony Minichiello, Michael Jennings, Mitchell Aubusson, James Maloney, Daniel Mortimer, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
French international prop Remi Casty will make his first appearance for the reigning NRL premiers.
The Roosters will have one eye on next Saturday's World Club Challenge against English Super League champions Wigan, who last night thrashed the New Zealand Warriors 46-22 in a trial match in Hamilton.
Assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon will take the reigns against Newcastle with first-year premiership-winning mentor Trent Robinson in Auckland.
