Roosters Preview

Merry Good Friday, or something. Hope you are all enjoying the day off work. I know I am. Our boys are down in Sydney preparing for tonight’s game. I hate to say things like this, but if this game isn’t going to shape our season then it’ll go bloody close. Either way, I’ll be watching very, very closely for a number of reasons.

It’s a big test for us in a lot of ways. Firstly and foremost, it’s a massive test of our depth. It’s a very makeshift backline that we’ve named; we’re missing 3-4 very good players from these positions (depending how highly you regard Steve Michaels). While a lot of the spotlight will be on how our new kids perform tonight, it’s also a big checkbox for our coach Mr. Henjak. What he’s done during the week with regards to bonding this new backline together will be evident tonight. Given that his assistant coach was suspended mid-week, I’ll be very interested to see how well he has handled things.

We’re coming off a big loss so it’s also going to be a big test of our resolve. We copped a flogging last week, and I’m sure a lot of questions have been asked of individual players during training this week. They need to bounce back and prove themselves, and stop hiding under the ‘baby broncos’ blanket. I’m sure Henjak has said to a few of the boys that they are running out of chances to prove themselves. There’s no bigger opportunity for them to do this than tonight.

Thirdly, tonight’s game will be a test of how well our players deal with the media circus. The Broncos are arguably the most followed team in the NRL, so when Mr Assistant Coach decides to have a few pints and table dance in his underwear there is going to be a bit of a media buzz around the club. When he decides to then drive home and gets done for drink driving, it starts a media frenzy. Then when your Captain announces he’ll be making a decision about his representative future in the post-match press conference, they hype surrounding the game kicks into overdrive.

I doubt 80% of our team have been involved in a game that has so much interest surrounding it. To be honest I don’t think they are going to handle it too well. Last week we let a couple injuries and a lucky try or two completely derail us. I can’t imagine what sort of effect this week has had on them, and I don’t think they are mentally strong enough to deal with it yet. These kids need to put it all at the back of their minds, get on with the game as professionals, and our leadership-group needs to guide these boys from the front.

We haven’t lost at the Sydney Football Stadium since 2005, and have won the last 6 Good Friday clashes against the Roosters. But for mind, this one isn’t looking good. The Roosters are also coming off a big loss. They have a strong side, and will be very keen to bounce back. Their coach Brian Smith also has our number, boasting one of the best win ratios of all coaches against our club. Both teams have plenty to offer in attack, but like Braith Anasta has said in the build up, “You've got to win games on the back of your defence and your attitude in defence.” If our figures in defence and completion rates don’t improve on last week, we’re in for another pummelling. We simply must improve in those areas.

After the week we have had, I’m predicting a loss. 28-10. Please surprise me boys!