Jake Friend has dispelled any talk of discontent within the Sydney Roosters camp and said he owes Brian Smith a debt of gratitude for helping him salvage his NRL career.
Friend has been a regular member of Smith’s side since his arrival at the club in 2010, after putting his off-field indiscretions firmly behind him.
The 22-year-old hooker was sacked by the club in late 2009 following a series of alcohol-related incidents before being reinstated six months later following a stint working in a cafe.
However, he made the headlines again in June 2010 when he was caught in possession of a restricted drug by police at Coogee in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The Queenslander avoided a custodial sentence but was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond by a magistrate in November that year.
And he was told in no uncertain terms by Smith and Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce that any further indiscretions would result in him being marched out of the club for a second time.
“Being out of the game as I was made me realise how lucky I am to play footy for a living,” Friend told AAP.
“It makes me hungry to go around, and I know I have to keep my head on and make sure I’m not in the papers for the wrong reasons. That is definitely somewhere I don’t want to go.
“From the start Smithy was always behind me. He said when they sacked me, if I do the right thing he’d have me back and he’s always been there for me and I owe him and the club lot.”
Friend admitted his court case and Smith’s stern words were the reality check he needed to get his life of track.
“I think I’ve matured a lot as a person over the last few years,” he said.
“All the bad that happened to me I guess has been good as I’ve had to change and grow up fast.”
There has been speculation Smith is at odds with certain players in his squad, but Friend said he hasn’t witnessed any major friction.
“Everyone’s positive in the camp, you have to be when you are in our position,” he said.
“We’re all working hard and trying to make that eight and we’re all behind the coach.”