Jake Friend is eyeing a return before the NRL finals series as the Sydney Roosters appear set to time their run perfectly to claim back-to-back premierships.

Without as many as four of their big name players just over a week ago, the trickle of Roosters returnees has begun with all expected to be fit for the play-offs.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was the first to return from suspension in Sunday’s win over Canberra, while Boyd Cordner confirmed on Tuesday he’d face the Warriors at the SCG on Sunday.

Prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho is also due back in coming weeks, while winger Ryan Hall will also be available shortly after battling knee issues.

Friend’s deputy at hooker Sam Verrills is also expected to overcome a knee issue to face the Warriors, after emerging as a rookie talent this year.

But it is the return of Friend from a broken arm that will be the biggest boost for the second-placed Roosters, as targets a return in the final week of the regular season.

“I’d love to play round 25 and there is a plan in place to try and do that,” he said.

“It’s a six to eight week injury and it’s six-and-a-half weeks (now) so in my head it’s achievable.”

Friend has played just four games this year and played back-to-back matches once, having also battled a shoulder injury for the first half of the season.

But the 243-game veteran has no concerns about being able to match the intensity and fitness required for finals almost instantly.

“I’ll do everything in the next three or four weeks to make sure I am ready,” Friend said.

“Obviously to get match fitness you’ve got to play matches but I feel like I have probably played enough over time to be able to find something there to get through a couple.”

Roosters players have also been given a three-day break after Sunday’s win over Canberra – a spell almost unheard of at this time of year.

But coach Trent Robinson has been adept at managing his stars in a year where rest and injury has stopped any player from turning out in every game.

Yet even with the disruptions they look as well placed as any team to be the first club to defend their title for 26 years.

“I think we’re going OK with where we are at the moment,” Cordner said.

“All those guys that have come up and debuted this year are getting that experience as well and have been standing up really well for us.”