Sydney Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner has declared his side more inspired this year than in 2018 as they seek rare back-to-back NRL premierships.
It’s the question which has raged all year – how can coach Trent Robinson keep his side motivated after reaching the summit last year?
The Roosters have been the form team of the competition all year, and the premiership favourites for most of it.
However keeping the fire inside their bellies burning is easier said than done.
Not since the Allan Langer and Kevin Walter-led Brisbane in 1992-93 has a side gone back-to-back in a united competition.
During the 1980s it was a common occurrence with Canberra (89-90), Canterbury (84-85) and Parramatta (81-83) all lifting the trophy on consecutive grand final days.
But since then many have tried and failed – and it’s an opportunity the Roosters don’t want to let slip through their fingers.
“I think it’s easier this year with the motivation to be honest,” Cordner said.
“We’ve worked so hard all year to put ourselves in this position, so we’re here now and we want to make the most of it, we want to take every opportunity.
“The fire is definitely stronger than ever.”
Standing between the Roosters and a slice of history is Canberra, who haven’t tasted premiership success or been to a grand final since 1994.
Central to the Green Machine’s success this year has been their ability to strip the ball – in particular hooker Josh Hodgson who has become the game’s leading exponent of the art.
During their preliminary final win he came up with two game-changing plays in which he de-possessed the opposition – taking the ball from Ethan Lowe in the lead up to Jarrod Croker’s opening try before pulling off a try-saving steal on Cody Walker.
“It’s starting to be a trend now, possession is a big trend in games, it’s everything,” Cordner said.
“The Raiders are the best at it in the comp and we got done a couple of times on the weekend (in their preliminary final win over Melbourne).
“We’re going to have to be better in the grand final. It’s an awareness thing.”
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
The roosters are strong and seem unbeatable when in good form. Rabbitohs, Manly probably would have the DNA to knock out the roosters in the GF. However, if raiders can contain the roosters attack in the first half (which will be a difficult assignment) and a few episodes go against the roosters, then the raiders may have a good chance of causing an set up. The roosters under the pump have become rattled at times and panic, they did this against souths in the last round, and also known for not playing the full 80mins. So I am hoping for a last play of the game 4 point difference (to roosters) and Bateman strips the ball off Luke 'the dirty cat' Keary and scores under the post. Go Raiders!
Succhi
Roar Rookie
This is a real David versus Goliath game. Roosters must be red hot favourites but the Raiders have shown so much grit to get to the GF. I don’t follow either, but I love Stuart’s heart on the sleeve attitude - would love to see him have a win.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Yes there is the desire to achieve what they set out to do at the beginning of the season. However to keep performing at the level they have and to actually be in the grand final for a second consecutive year after winning the previous year is a feat unto itself for only the Roosters & the Storm have managed to achieve it in recent years most others have won the prize but struggled the following season. Going to be a great game on Sunday but my feel is that the Roosters seem to find that bit extra and the experience should get them over the line in a brutal hard fought grand final
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
NO I do not wish to contemplate such an occurrence .Even Souths made the finals for a couple of years prior to their long awaited premiership. The Raiders have only made the finals 4 times in the past 12 years if my memory is correct.
Randy
Roar Rookie
would be ironic that Ricky Stuart kills their chance of going back to back, the same coach who failed to go back to back with the Roosters in 02/03
Paul
Roar Guru
Well I guess it's up to the Raiders to douse the flames!