Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson insists it won’t just fall on Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to shoulder the burden of Dylan Napa’s absence against Cronulla.
The Sharks enter the qualifying final with arguably the best forward pack in the competition, with hooker Jayden Brailey the only member of their starting middle not to have played State of Origin.
Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods is also slated to come off the bench, with the Sharks possessing the size of both Andrew Fifita and Paul Gallen through their middle.
In comparison the Roosters are still without Napa for another two matches due to suspension, leaving Waerea-Hargreaves and Tongan international Sio Suia Taukeiaho to start with NSW Origin captain Boyd Cordner also on the left edge.
But Robinson hailed the emergence of youngster Victor Radley and bench players Lindsay Collins and Zane Tetevano, who will also play through the middle for the minor premiers with just one previous finals match between them.
“Obviously Jared is one of them but there are a lot of guys who are standing tall and playing strong.” Robinson said.
“With a team performance there’s not one guy who is going to get it done. … There is going to be a pack of them ready to go.
“And that’s what’s been exciting about watching them develop.
“There’s been the starting guys who have laid a platform but then there has been bench enthusiasm that have come on and added that.
“Individuals will play their role but obviously a pack mentality will help.”
The Roosters’ forwards were instrumental in the Tricolours’ only clash with the Sharks earlier this season, in what was a gutsy 28-10 victory way back in round five.
Robinson praised his big men after the win, pointing out at the time they had stood up following criticism that had dated back to last year’s doomed finals campaign
That forwards beating is something the Sharks are well aware they can’t let happen again if they are to win through to the third week of the finals after finishing the season in fourth.
“I think if we can get over their forward pack and dominate their forward pack, it gives us a really good head start,” Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said.