On the eve of the Sydney Roosters’ inaugural clash with the Canberra Raiders NRLW team, Head Coach John Strange says his side are full of belief after an impressive win over the Broncos in last week.
Despite having to travel interstate for the second week in a row, Strange is looking forward to seeing the team build in both attack and defence, when they come up against some familiar faces at GIO Stadium on Saturday.
NRLW Coach's Media - Round 2
“Obviously everyone wants to start off with a win, but I’m really happy with the way we played … there was plenty to build on during the week, so it's been a really exciting time for us,” he said.
“It takes a little bit of pressure off, in the 2021 season we started with two losses, so we really had to scale back to make sure that game three we won, because we knew we needed to if we were going to make the semis.
“I guess it allows us to keep building on what we started last week so that's what we've done during the week.”
Strange was blown away by Millie Boyle’s opening round physicality, explaining that the 2021 Dally M winner exceeded his expectations with her strong carries and tough defence against Brisbane.
“She's a great person as we all know, she’s a real leader amongst the girls, especially the younger players look up to Millie,” he said.
“What she did last week was probably a little bit beyond what I expected to be honest, not just the metres, it was the post contact too, you know she really works hard to fight to get quick play the balls and defensively she was really good in the middle as well.”
Round 1 Match Highlights: Roosters vs Broncos
The Premiership-winning leader also gave an update on Amber Hall, was ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a lisfranc injury in Round 1.
“She's getting an operation next week so she probably be out for six months, I think that is what they're predicting the moment, Strange explained.
“It's difficult for Amber, she's worked really hard to come over here and trained as hard as she ever has, according to girls that have played with her at the Broncos.
“Emotionally, she's coping really well, she understands it’s footy.
“She'll be back next year that's for sure.”
Building on the solid foundations set last week, Strange believes his team still have certain areas to work on and tomorrow’s match serves as an opportunity to put their skills into practice.
“I was really happy with the attack, we still need some more fine tuning but that will happen each week,” he said.
“Our defence I thought was good, but it was certain lapses in attitude around that, that allowed the Broncos in, especially in the first half.
“We sort of gave them a little bit of space in there to execute like they did, so that's been our main focus during the week and probably being a little bit more watertight in our defence and our communication right across the park, so we're all working together.
“We’re expecting a really tough game … we’re really confident in who we are as a group but, we’re certainly not taking anyone lightly and especially not the Raiders tomorrow.”
