Roosters’ big boost

Gun pair to tackle Raiders in sudden-death semi

SYDNEY Roosters coach Trent Robinson has declared hooker Jake Friend and forward Sonny Bill Williams “ready to go” in a bid to end Canberra’s season in Friday‘s blockbuster sudden-death-semi-final.

In a boost for the Roosters for the grand final replay against the Raiders, Friend and Williams have overcome head knock and neck set backs.

Robinson understands the importance of having two experienced players fit for a sudden-death finals match.

“It is always key when you have senior players ready and combinations that you have had for a long time,” he said.

“Both are looking well, they trained well and they are focused and ready to play. You can’ t rely on it, and you have togo out there and reproduce it again, but you want those players available .”

Robinson is pleased to have Friend back given his connection with the spine and solid defence in the middle.

The Roosters missed the veteran hooker’s calmness and class in last week’ s one-point loss to Penrith.

“There is [Jake’s] leadership, the consistency of combination sand there is the absolute selfless work that he does for others ,” he said.

Williams’ return is timely given the size of Canberra’s pack, led by Maroon s star Josh Pa pal ii.

The former World Cup-winning All Black has not been a this best since returning from the Toronto Wolf pack, but his presence and experience alone is significant for the Tricolours.

Robinson refused to reveal how he would use Williams off the bench against the Raiders.

“We’ ve got our plan; we know how we are going to use him, but I won’t go into that, ”he said.