BRIAN Smith has picked a new-look Roosters team for round one of the NRL with injuries and massive roster changes forcing the new coach to spring some surprises.

RABBITOHS v Roosters. Broncos v North Queensland. Parramatta v St George Illawarra. These are some of the not-to-be-missed blockbusters from the opening six rounds.

JARRYD Hayne wasn't listening when the suits started their speeches. He wasn't even in the room. He was performing tricks with the footy with Michael Jennings.

THE Daily Telegraph today launches its 2010 NRL Fans Survey. We're giving you the chance to have some real input into the game before season starts. Fans Survey

SOME resented his return to the NRL but  Rooster Todd Carney has shown why he could be the buy of the year with a sparkling performance against the Tigers.

BRAD Fittler kicks back to tell Jessica Halloran about his Roosters sacking and his 'outstanding' new life which revolves around surf, sun and hangliding.

ROOSTERS coach Brian Smith admits Braith Anasta will need time to fully overcome the effects of  a serious ankle injury but is confident he will play a major role in 2010.

THE Roosters are enjoying a massive surge in memberships since controversial forward Willie Mason officially left the club to head north 11 days ago.

SYDNEY Roosters captain Braith Anasta is in danger of missing the start of the NRL season after complications with the left ankle he fractured eight months ago.

SYDNEY Roosters utility Ben Jones has been called into the Indigenous All Stars squad to replace the injured PJ Marsh, who has withdrawn with a back injury.

FORGOTTEN superstar Anthony Minichiello says his injury woes are firmly behind him and is ready to show the NRL he is still the best fullback in the game.

SYDNEY Roosters team of the century fullback Russell Fairfax has questioned the logic behind shifting Anthony Minichiello to the wing in favour of Todd Carney.

CYCLONE Willie is due to hit Townsville tomorrow but not before a breezy farewell in Sydney. He met Roosters starts Anthony Minichiello and Nate Myles for breakfast.

HE'S always been a cowboy by nature, now Willie Mason is a Cowboy by name after accepting a one-year NRL lifeline from North Queensland. Video, poll

THE path has been cleared for Newcastle to make a serious play for Sydney Roosters discard Willie Mason, with the Knights virtually given the green light to sign him.

NEWCASTLE coach Rick Stone has secretly met with Willie Mason as the club moves closer to opening negotiations with the exiled Sydney Roosters star.

NOT worth it. Doesn't deserve it. No-one wants him. That's the mood among rugby league fans when Willie Mason's name is discussed.

THERE are plenty of big-wigs at Belmore who still rate Willie Mason. Kevin Moore, George Peponis, Ray Dib and more. So why did they knock him back this time around?

THE PEOPLE of Manly have spoken and they've told Sea Eagles management that they support the club's decision to walk away from controversial forward Willie Mason.

NEW coach Brian Smith is rebuilding the Roosters and already the players are saying it is like being at a new club after the nightmare of last season.