Remorseful Sydney Roosters utility Luke O’Donnell is desperate to atone for a needless suspension that threatened to derail the Tricolours’ NRL title hopes.
A key figure in the Roosters’ charge to the minor premiership, O’Donnell copped a three-week suspension on the eve of the finals that coincided with a worrying dip in form for the eastern suburbs-based club.
But he returns at just the right time as a ready-made replacement for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who will miss Saturday night’s clash with Manly due to a dangerous contact charge stemming from last weekend’s win over South Sydney.
One of the most suspended players in NRL history, O’Donnell’s old ways crept back when he produced a dangerous throw on opposition winger Tim Simona with the Roosters well on their way to a big round 23 win over Wests Tigers.
With O’Donnell sidelined, the Roosters slumped to upset losses to Cronulla and Gold Coast before righting the ship against the Rabbitohs.
O’Donnell’s toughness and experience has been vital for the Roosters this year but he knows he let the club down after they threw him a pre-season lifeline and is keen to make amends.
“I’m pumped to come back and just really excited to be playing in a finals series,” O’Donnell said.
“Obviously there is more responsibility on myself with Jared not there but I’m well up for it, I’ve been training hard and I can handle it.”
“There is a great sense of excitement around the place, we have an exciting mix of guys with heaps of finals experience and a fair few with none at all so that all combined has created a great vibe.”
O’Donnell, who played in North Queensland’s grand final side in 2005 – the closest he has come to a premiership win – is not contracted to the Roosters beyond this year but he told the club website he is only concerned about what is immediately ahead.
“Coming away with the win last weekend has been great for us,” said the former NSW and Australia representative.
“I did more training than usual (during the suspension) but also this time Robbo wanted me to be around the team as much as possible so I would train around the team and do extra sessions either before or after training to make that possible.
“The extra training was really intense so it has got to me to where I need to be.”
