Toby Rudolf was worried just a few weeks ago that he would be a spectator in the playoffs but the Cronulla prop is “over the moon” after getting the green light to return for the Qualifying Final against the Cowboys.
And he says he wants to be the player to “put one over on them” when he locks horns with North Queensland’s monster pack.
Rudolf has been out of action since damaging the medial ligament in his right knee during his side’s win over the Tigers back in Round 22. It’s been an anxious wait, but the Sharks forward is ecstatic to have been given the all-clear.
“I’m over the moon, I wasn’t sure three weeks ago if I’d be playing this game,” said Rudolf.
“I was sort of on the lounge feeling sorry for myself. Fast forward three weeks and a lot can change. A lot can heal and luckily I’m here ready to go for this game against the Cowboys.”
While Rudolf admitted his knee has not fully recovered, he knows in himself that he is good to go.
“It feels really good right now. I did sort of a game simulation on Sunday, and it felt fine the entire time. A little bit sore afterward but that is what you can expect from some of these injuries that are still healing. But yeah I’ve got 100 percent confidence in it to get the win this weekend against the Cowboys.”
Along with Rudolf, three other Sharks who had question marks against their names have been named in the team but are still not certain starters.
Dale Finucane has been selected in the starting 13 but was on light duties at training on Tuesday because of his rib injury, while Will Kennedy has been listed at fullback as he tries to make a comeback from ankle surgery on August 1.
Siosifa Talakai has also been named in the centres and was also restricted at training on Tuesday despite early concerns that his season could have been over after he limped off the field late in the win over Newcastle on Sunday. Knights prop Mat Croker landed heavily on Talakai’s ankle in the hip-drop tackle, but the injury was not as severe as first thought.
It’s a big boost for the Sharks who are heading into the finals after missing out last year. In a huge turnaround, they have finished the regular season in second spot, but many believe they got there thanks to an easy run home.
Rudolf isn’t having any of it. “You can say that as much as you want. Yes, we haven’t played a top-eight team, 100%. But we’ve still beaten all the teams that we’ve beaten, and we have put ourselves in this position,” said Rudolf.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. This finals campaign is a new competition, previous results don’t mean anything. Yes, we finished second. As a result, we get the home advantage. But that doesn’t mean anything once we cross that white line for a finals campaign.
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“I’ve learned that, I’ve seen that as well as a fan my entire life. I’ve seen games go different ways and teams sort of not turn up because they think they’ve had such a stellar year throughout the normal season. But finals footy is finals footy for a reason.
“So right now, [our focus] is the Cowboys. I’m just looking forward to their big forward pack; Taumalolo, Cotter, Nanai, these guys have just had an outstanding year. I want to be the one, along with our forward pack, to put one over on them and hopefully get the win for our home crowd.”
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