Let's go through the Talking Points in week two of the NRL Finals as the Roosters men prepare for an SCG showdown and the women look to kick of the season with two wins.
Match: Roosters v Raiders
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
A CAPTAIN'S RETURN
After missing out on last week's Qualifying Final, Captain Jake Friend makes a welcomed return to the turf for the Roosters must win Semi Final.
With a spot in the Preliminary Final on the line, the Roosters will need their Captain's services for a number of reasons against the Canberra Raiders.
"There's a few different things, there's the leadership, there's the consistency of combinations throughout the spine and there's the absolute selfless work that he does for others," Head Coach Trent Robinson said to the media.
"Looking forward to getting him out there."
Our Job is to Respond on Friday | Trent Robinson
ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE
While things haven't gone exactly to plan in the last couple of weeks, Brett Morris is adamant that this is just another challenge for the Tricolours.
While the Roosters fell short of a win against the Panthers, there's still football to be played in 2020.
"It would have been nice to win that game and have a week off, but you're playing Finals and you've got to win every game," Morris said to the media.
"You've got another job, a new job, and we've got to get on with it."
A win this week will see them advance to the Preliminary Final next Friday night.
A Challenge We Accept | Brett Morris
BACKLINE SHUFFLE FOR GAME TWO
After a hot start for the NRLW Roosters in game one, there's been a shuffle in the backline for game two.
Game one standout Charlotte Caslick will line-up at fullback in the absence of Botille Vette-Welsh, while Captain Corban McGregor moves into the vacant five-eighth position.
The coaching staff have praised these moves for different reasons, but none more than the fact that there will be three ball players on the park at once.
"Her first ever game of rugby league last week was outstanding," Head Coach Jamie Feeney said of Caslick's debut.
"If she picks it up well (the fullback position), she'll stay there."
It's A Different Year | Jamie Feeney Game Two
LAST TIME WE MET
The Last Time We Met the Canberra Raiders was just over a month ago in the NRL Telstra Premiership.
It marked a number of special occasions for the Sydney Roosters, but none more important than a win in the nation's capital.
Not only was Josh Morris celebrating his 300th NRL game, but the Roosters were also set to welcome back Sonny Bill Williams for his first Club appearance since 2014.
Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.
Sign UpAlready have an NRL Account?
Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .
