The Sydney Roosters have added dual firepower for Saturday’s NRL grand final rematch against Canberra with Sonny Bill Williams and Luke Keary both named in the side.
Just four weeks out from the play-offs, the Roosters are jostling for a top-four finish and will need to beat the Raiders in Canberra to be two competition points ahead of their rivals.
Williams will make his return to the NRL from the bench for the Roosters, while Keary has been named after shaking off a rib injury that has sidelined him for two weeks.
And while it’s not clear how much game time Williams will get or where he will play, his presence is enough.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing what Sonny can do,” winger Brett Morris said.
“Just in the few weeks I have seen him training it’s pretty evident he’s a very skilful guy, especially around the middle of the park.
“Be it in the middle or on the edge Sonny can fill all those roles.
“He’s getting very excited about the prospect of playing. Guys like Sonny just want to win, they are competitors.”
Keary comes into the Roosters’ side at the expense of Drew Hutchison.
The grand final rematch will be sold out, and the Raiders will release an additional 1500 tickets for members, maxing out the capacity at 3000.
South Sydney also have their sights set on a top-four finish but will need to do it without star Latrell Mitchell, with Alex Johnston named in the No.1 jersey to face Melbourne.
Mitchell is sidelined for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury and skipper Adam Reynolds says Souths will miss his ability to put doubt in the opposition’s mind.
“If anything you lose Latrell’s presence out the back there,” he said.
“It can weigh on a player’s mind when you’re going into a game that they’re facing Latrell Mitchell, his sheer power and strength out the back there will obviously be missed.”
Souths have named Johnston to return from a head knock against the high-flying Storm, but on Tuesday Reynolds hinted Corey Allen could spend time at fullback.
Allen has been named on the wing but covered for Mitchell when he was taken from the field in last week’s 38-0 win over Parramatta.
“He’s incredibly smart for someone who hasn’t played that much first grade and his knowledge of the game is good,” Reynolds said.
“He seems to be in the right place at the right time nine times out of 10.
“He’s brave, he puts his body on the line when you need him to and he’s reliable. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to and more.
“I’m really proud and happy with the way he’s going.”
Elsewhere, Parramatta have named Jai Field to replace Dylan Brown in the halves against the Warriors on Sunday.
