Talking Points | Round 6

FRIEND JOINS ELITE COMPANY

Tonight's match will see our Captain Jake Friend join the 250 NRL games for the Roosters Club, a milestone that only three other Roosters have reached. 

Friend joins Club legends Anthony Minichiello, Luke Ricketson and Mitchell Aubusson in the 250 Roosters NRL games Club, making him the fourth Roosters representative. 

Making his debut in 2008 and still going strong in 2020, it's safe to say that Friend is proud to reach this great milestone with plenty of footy still remaining in his career. 

A MINUTE BETWEEN SIPS

In a season that sees numerous teams play each other twice, the NRL draw will often showcase the Roosters and Eels just once in a season. 

That being the case and assisted by the COVID-19 circumstances, the Roosters and Eels haven't played each other in an NRL match in over 14 months. 

The last time we faced the Eels was in Round 3 of the 2019 season, and the Roosters were looking to spoil their undefeated start to the season on that occasion too. 

WAEREA-HARGREAVES RARING TO RETURN

After just missing out on selection last week, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is fully fit and ready to go in Round 6. 

In the absence of in-form prop Lindsay Collins, Waerea-Hargreaves will look to re-gain a hold of the reigns to lead with the front foot against a big Eels pack. 

"When a player like Jared's available, it strengthens your squad by his mere presence alone," Craig Fitzgibbon said of Jared's return. 

THE TURNAROUND

The NRL draw can offer many surprises throughout a season, but none is more interesting than the longest possible turnaround one week into the shortest the next. 

From Thursday to Monday in Round 5, then Monday to Saturday in Round 6. 

"It's okay," Craig Fitzgibbon said with certainty.

"We've done it before, we've had many five day turnarounds and we've got a great template for those five day turnarounds."

"It will be no excuse come the weekend."