A number of injuries to the Sydney Roosters have seen some notable changes made to their backline for their semi-final against the Melbourne Storm.
Paul Momirovski is one of the fresh inclusions, returning from an injury suffered earlier in the season.
The Sporting News takes a closer look at the centre's NRL career thus far.
Paul Momirovski career timeline, teams of NRL journeyman
It's fair to say that Momirovski has already become a rugby league journeyman in his relatively short NRL career.
He has played for four different clubs — Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers — across five different stints over a six-year period.
Momirovski played for the Alexandria Rovers as a junior before being picked up by the South Sydney Rabbitohs to play in their SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams.
In 2014, he signed for the Sydney Roosters, co-captaining them to an SG Ball premiership later that year.
He remained with the Tricolours as he progressed up the rugby league ranks, notably winning the Holden Cup premiership in 2016.
Typically a half, Momirovski transitioned to the centres in reserve grade the following campaign before being called up to the Roosters' first grade side in 2018.
His debut was one to remember, bagging a try against the Gold Coast Titans.
He was also called upon in the preliminary finals in the absence of star playmaker Cooper Cronk, scoring a try in an impressive fill-in performance.
A move to the Tigers came in 2019, making 11 appearances for them over the season.
Momirovski then headed south of the border the following year to the Melbourne Storm in a loan deal that saw Harry Grant go the other way.
Another swap deal came in 2021, which resulted in him moving to Penrith and Daine Laurie joining the Tigers.
He enjoyed his most successful season to date, playing 19 games, scoring six tries and featuring in their grand final win.
His strong campaign then saw him earn a contract with the Roosters, returning back to the club he spent his early days with.
What happened to Paul Momirovski this season? Injury impacts 2023 season
Momirovski suffered ligament damage to his shoulder in early May this year, ruling him out indefinitely.
His return to the Roosters' starting side will see him play just his third game in 2023.
He will line up in the centres with winger Fetalaiga Pauga partnering him on the edge.
Robinson confident in Momirovski ahead of NRL semi-final
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has emphasised his trust in Momirovski as the centre gears up to make his return to first grade following injury.
"There’s always been confidence in ‘Mommers’, that’s why he’s back here,” Robinson said.
"He’s a grand final winner and a big game player for us.
"I would have liked more games for him with the shoulder injury he’s had, but I’m always confident in Mommers and what he’s capable of.
"With the shoulder surgery, he’s done a lot of running and opposition work against us. We’ve been pushing the strength and all that to the point that he’d be able to get selected.
"This was the first week that he got ticked off (by the medical staff). Two weeks ago they highlighted this week to get ready to play again, so it was timely."
How old is Paul Momirovski?
Momirovski is currently 27 years old.
He was 21 years old when he made his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2018.
Paul Momirovski contract
The Roosters signed Momirovski to a three-year deal which will see him remain with the club until the end of the 2024 season.
Sydney Roosters injury list
*Last updated Fri. Sep. 15
| PLAYER | ISSUE | RETURN |
|---|---|---|
| Joey Manu | Hamstring | TBA |
| Joseph Suaalii | Head knock | Finals Week 3 |
| Daniel Tupou | Knee | Indefinite |
| Connor Watson | Knee | Indefinite |
| Billy Smith | Jaw | 2024 |
| Sitili Tupouniua | Neck | 2024 |
| Jared Waerea-Hargreaves | Suspension | 2024 |
