Friend to tell rookies ‘don’t die wondering’
SYDNEY Roosters co-captain Jake Friend will instil a mantra into his side’s rookie contingent ahead of tomorrow’s grand final – don’t die wondering.
Only five Roosters – Friend, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mitch Aubusson, Daniel Tupou and Boyd Cordner – remain from the 2013 side that beat Manly 26-18 to win the premiership.
Friend will play his third grand final – with the Roosters having lost to St George Illawarra in 2010.
The inspirational hooker said he will speak with his team’s younger players about the pressure and expectation of a grand final and how to approach such a momentous game.
“I will probably tell them to go after it, don’t ever die wondering,” Friend said.
“Don’t sit back and wait for the game, go after the game. I think they should be excited, but don’t let it drain you.
“They don’t come around that often. I was lucky in 2010 as a 20-year-old to play in a grand final. Losing that hurt.
“You don’t get many in your career, I guess. Just enjoy it.”
Friend, coach Trent Robinson and the Roosters side are trying to keep an amplified week as normal as possible.
The club has been media friendly this week while also trying to play down the hype.
“In your prep, you want to do everything as you normally would, but obviously there is a bigger goal at the end of it. There is lot more external noise around the match,” Friend said.
“For myself, it’s exciting to be part of these weeks. You don’t want to let that drain you but I can’t wait for Sunday.
“We had a slow start to the season – personally and as a team – we didn’t get our attack the way we wanted it but we worked hard on it. Our defence helped us through that period.”
Friend has given his 2013 grand final jumper to his Mum and Dad – who live in Noosa for safekeeping.
“They’ve got the jersey and premiership-winning ring from 2013,” Friend said. “I still don’t trust myself. They will look after it, they are very proud.
“I have mates up there who have sent me messages saying they have been over to see Mum and Dad and have photos of themselves in my jersey.
“I’m sure when I retire those sort of things will become more meaningful. I am obviously very proud of 2013 and hopefully we will go after a new grand finalwinning jersey this week.”