The Sydney Roosters have hit a timely pre-finals form slump. From flying high in first place for the past few rounds, the Roosters now have to beat their arch rivals South Sydney in a battle for the minor premiership on Friday night.
If the Round 24 game against Cronulla was the win they needed to have before the finals, then what was the explanation behind the loss to lowly placed Gold Coast Titans?
From James Maloney last week on The Footy Show claiming that all was well in the Roosters camp, surely a few pre-finals nerves are ticking for coach Trent Robinson.
The Roosters, who are usually rock solid defence, have leaked several points. Sonny Bill Williams has lost his spark, making several uncharacteristic errors in the past two rounds of football.
Perhaps the most telling of the form slump was when Michael Jennings passed the ball out to the touchline, a pass that would usually have landed in the wingers hands. As Roosters fans would be saying, better to have the losses now rather than during finals week.
Assured a top two finals spot, the blockbuster clash against South Sydney on Friday will be a good test of the Roosters character this season.
They have been flying high, and now a true test of their ability to bounce back has presented itself.
Perhaps guilty of keeping one eye on finals football against the Titans, coach Trent Robinson will not let his team lose focus anymore.
Thoroughly outplayed in their last encounter with the Rabbitohs in Round 1 (28-10), Friday’s clash will be another classic encounter.
Ken
Guest
Dimsum is a dimwit, the ROOSTERS played every team in the eight twice bar Melbourne, so much for the soft draw, you soft head.
Chris Martin
Roar Rookie
They are finishing the season like St George in 2009. They wont win a semi.
old codger
Guest
The finals will separate the Men from the Boys
old codger
Guest
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Roar Guru
I think the Roosters' successful season has taken its toll and they needed those two losses more badly than anyone. But I would not think that the Roosters tanked those two matches, they were simply outplayed and SBW was nowhere near his best in the two losses. But they will rise for the occasion this Friday night and thus I am anticipating a classic and intriguing showdown between the two old rivals!
Bearfax
Guest
The Storm went through it, The Bunnies went through it. The Sea Eagles went off the boil for a time. Even the Doggies and Sharks went through a bad stretch. If the Roosters are to truly be contenders for the crown, this is the slump they had to have. Just as well its happening now and not during the finals, though its a little too close to the finals for comfort and they want to be out of it by the beginning of finals week 1 or its kiss a great season farewell before they can get a crack at the bickies.
mr dimsum
Guest
Roosters had a soft draw in 2013, they will struggle over the next 3 weeks against the better sides. They will be out by the prelim final
Wozza
Guest
Back to basics is the key ....