Premiers the Sydney Roosters are battle-hardened after epic back-to-back NRL finals campaigns says coach Trent Robinson.
The Roosters’ 19-18 frantic qualifying final loss to Penrith two weeks ago was followed up by a frenetic 31-30 win over North Queensland last week to advance them through to Friday’s first preliminary final against South Sydney.
Meanwhile the Rabbitohs have rested up over the past week, after their emphatic 40-24 qualifying win over Manly.
Despite the exacting nature of both games, Robinson said his side had to use the extra week’s football as a plus against premiership favourites the Rabbitohs.
“We’ve got to make sure that it’s an advantage for us,” Robinson said at Monday’s coaches’ call.
“If we don’t take the lessons out of the games that we’ve played, then it won’t be.
The Roosters led Penrith 18-12 before being run down late in the game, and headed the Cowboys 30-0 after half an hour before the visitors mounted an epic comeback that fell just short.
Robinson said the Roosters were in good shape, despite the emotional and physical toll of both encounters.
“They recovered well over the weekend,” he said.
“It was good to play that game on a Friday night and get a couple of days recovery and start up on Souths on (Monday) morning.
“They’re all in a good frame of mind and they will be all ready to go on the weekend.
“The last few weeks there has been some really great footy that we have played, and from (the Souths) game (in round 26) as well but there are things we need to fix up.”
jacksyd
Guest
Another social media hoax followed that of GI being out saying that Mini was out. When it was revealed as false and Mini was definitely playing, there was great relief throughout all the Souths supporters.
KB
Guest
How many "days" in 43 years?
Joel
Guest
The chickens didn't beat the Cows and they know it, it is in their heads, and from that the Rabbits will win ....
Joel
Guest
The darling N(SW)RL Sydneycentric chickens should be on the sideline watching the Cows vs Rabbits ...
Joel
Guest
Rooster couldn’t win the match and with 5 minutes to go they had to use the “Rub of Hayne” for victory 1x 100% infringement and 3x 50/50 calls all going Roosters way, then it was the Cowboys turn to ask the question and ask for a little Rub their way as the attacking side at the time the advantage should have gone their way, but alas, no “Rub of Hayne” for the Cowboys as they are from North Queensland and Hayne wants to keep his position within the N(SW)RL Sydneycentric powerhouse,
Joel
Guest
Rooster couldn't win the match and with 5 minutes to go they had to use the "Rub of Hayne" for victory 1x 100% infringement and 3x 50/50 calls all going Roosters way for 1 point, then it was the Cowboys turn to ask the question and ask for a little Rub their way as the attacking side at the time the advantage should have gone their way, but alas, no "Rub of Hayne" for the Cowboys as they are from North Queensland and Hayne wants to keep his position within the N(SW)RL Sydneycentric powerhouse.
Bobbo7
Guest
The number of times I have said that with league... League results are so hard to pick that it would not surprise me if the Warriors got up this Friday!
paul
Guest
You cant go away from the fact madge went ballistic after manly game he knows it was bad form. I hav never seen a rant like that after a win not a good look imo.the players feel his pressure not good but I might be completely wrong
Nayfo
Guest
Honestly can't see the chooks being beaten, very confident about this one
MAX
Guest
It may not have looked inspiring but do you know what Madge requested ? Some horses trial very ordinary but deliver on the day where it counts. That's what I am hoping for though $1.80 is way unders.
paul
Guest
No one mentioned rabbits give up last 24 pts in a training run game against belrose a grade forwards and havnt played for 2 weeks not a good prep in my humble opinion. Ask yourself if they were a racehorse on that prep at $ 1.80 would you back them. Say wt you like abt easts but they had to come back psychologicaly against best player in world on the rampage and win again in last 25 not last 10 min but 25 thats outstanding if yr all fair dinkum
Chook
Guest
You know, I dont know why Souths supporters hate the Roosters so much - when they should be directing their hatred at the brainless morons the Roosters have supporting them
KB
Guest
Brendan you know as well as I do that he EXTENDED for one more year..keep it real son or not at all please...Souths have been believing their own bull$hit for too long now...Pride of the League? When Souths are going well Rugby League is going well? 1975 went well, 2002 went well...2013. CHOOKSback2BACK
john badseed
Guest
who's the ref?
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Manly were incredible last year Mals. They were dead on their feet against the Sharks and I didn't think they could get back up but they did, not just against Souths but in the Grand Final too.
Clark
Guest
You do realize players are given a "market value", meaning they can not intentionally pay for less. This is why Parra couldn't sign Folau, and also why you see teams like Melbourne and Manly suffer because of their success. I am not saying this is essentially true, but this is why a lot of people believe the Roosters are rorting. If we don't see a large offload soon it either means that their deals are heavily back-ended or there are some massive third-party agreement which I believe the rules have been relaxed on.
Brendan
Guest
So SBW is staying on is he? If not then maybe you could sign Carney again. He would fit in well
Clark
Guest
Both Games I think will be very similar in many ways. I think the two teams who played recently (Roosters and Bulldogs) can not get a sufficient lead and then keep their intensity up, they will get beat. So in saying that. I think you can lock in the GF places if Penrith and Souths are leading at half time.
Mals
Guest
Lol. So there is your 1st excuse used up. Manly beat Souths in the prelim last year after 2 very physical games against the Roosters & Sharks. The Roosters last game against the Cows was more like a game of touch footy, 60+ points scored.
KB
Guest
Good and great players will play for the greatest club for less. Players LEAVE Souths.