Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves says he is desperate to atone for his NRL suspension which threatened to derail the tricolours’ premiership hopes.

Waerea-Hargreaves sat out the Roosters’ epic 4-0 qualifying final win over Manly two weeks ago, after copping a one-match ban for elbowing South Sydney utility Chris McQueen in the minor premiership playoff the week before.

In a torrid defensive encounter Luke O’Donnell, Sam Moa and Sonny Bill Williams helped fill the void left by the big Kiwi prop against the Sea Eagles as the Roosters enjoyed their first finals win since the 2010 preliminary final victory over Gold Coast.

But Waerea-Hargreaves, arguably the form prop of 2013, knows his absence could have cost the Roosters dearly and is keen to make up for his round 26 indiscretion against the Rabbitohs in Saturday night’s preliminary finals clash with Newcastle.

It was the second time Waerea-Hargreaves was suspended this year after being handed a five-game holiday for a highshot on Manly prop George Rose.

“I’m really excited about this game,” Waerea-Hargreaves told media at Roosters training on Tuesday.

“I’ve been out two weeks but it seems like two years.”

“I feel like I owe the boys a bit. I feel like I let them down. I have to go out there and give them a little bit extra.”

Much has been made of the anticipated match-up between Sonny Bill Williams and Willie Mason after the two clashed heavily during the regular season, one hit resulting in a two-game ban for Williams for a high tackle.

But Waerea-Hargreaves is sure to have a say in which side progress through to the grand final against a strong Knights pack led by Mason, Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith.

The Roosters’ NSW Origin back-rower Boyd Cordner has not been named in the tricolours side as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury but he is still considered a chance to take the field at Allianz Stadium.