Sydney Roosters are set to drop five eighth Jackson Hastings for Friday’s NRL clash with South Sydney.

Hastings is expected to become the first high profile victim of the club’s 2-8 start to the NRL season with fellow youngster Ryan Matterson to start at five-eighth against Canterbury on Sunday.

Skipper Jake Friend would not comment on reports that Hastings was to be dropped by coach Trent Robinson.

However Hastings father, club legend Kevin Hastings, appeared to confirm the axing on Twitter when asked for a response.

“Very disappointed. I feel for him because I know much work he puts in. So road trip to Wyong this week to watch him,” Hastings wrote.

Matterson, the nephew of former Roosters and Brisbane lock Terry Matterson, made his debut in round eight and is now set to start alongside Mitchell Pearce in the halves.

After being selected for NSW City after just one first-grade appearance, he turned in a starring performance in the unfamiliar position of centre against Country in Tamworth.

Second-rower Boyd Cordner said there were no guaranteed spots and everyone was on notice after the side slumped to 15th.

“That’s the nature of this business of rugby league. If you’re not playing up to standard, if you’re not at that high standard then I guess there’s no other option than to experiment and bring in players that are training hard at Wyong,” Cordner said.

“I suppose all the boys are on notice.”

The Roosters are facing a massive battle to make the top eight, having to win 10 of their final 14 matches to qualify for the finals.

Their task is made even harder by their horror draw, which has them scheduled to play 12 games against current top eight sides in the run home.

“It is a challenge and we look forward to it but it’s starting to get do-or-die for us and we need to start getting desperate and play with a bit of heart,” said Cordner.