Every side likes to spruik their “next man up” mentality but Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says they’ve been forced to live it more than most this NRL season.
The Roosters will once again be without co-captain Boyd Cordner (calf) and Jake Friend (broken arm) when they take on Penrith at the SCG on Saturday night.
Cordner has now missed four matches but Robinson says he’s expected back for their final-round blockbuster against South Sydney.
Robinson was tight-lipped on when Friend was expected back after suffering an infection around the plate which was inserted to repair his broken forearm, however conceded it had likely delayed his return.
A return in week one or week two of the finals now seems likely.
On the up side, strike centre and goal-kicker Latrell Mitchell will be back against the Panthers after missing last week’s win over St George Illawarra with a calf strain.
But importantly for the Roosters, they have continued to win without their leaders this year – and are seeking a seventh win in a row against the Panthers which would guarantee them a top-two spot and a home final.
“The mentality is that whoever pulls on the jersey (does their job) – and every team talks about that attitude – but we’ve lived it,” Robinson said.
“It’s got to continue without Boyd and Jake, we’ve had a lot of games without them this year.
“But it doesn’t matter, we’ve had some young hungry guys this year that want to develop and take spots.
“That attitude is imperative and we’ve had to live it more than we’ve wanted this year.”
In a sign of the Roosters’ woes, Cordner and Friend have lined up alongside each other just three times this season.
No one has exemplified the Roosters’ attitude this year better than rookie rake Sam Verills who hasn’t missed a beat since stepping in for Friend.
The 20-year-old has started the last five games in the No.9 jersey with his side winning each of them.
“We’ve watched a guy come in and play a service role to guys around him that have played a lot more games and he’s delivered,” Robinson said.
“He hasn’t had any teething problems, people haven’t said ‘just give him some time’. No no, he’ nailed it right from the start.
“I’m really proud of how he’s come through.”
