Robbo’s defiant call amid Kangaroos debate
James Tedesco remains in the mix to wear the No.1 jumper for Australia next month, with Trent Robinson lauding the “incredible” campaign from the Roosters captain.
The 31-year-old has returned to his best this year, helping the Tricolours into a prelim final and putting himself among the leading contenders for the Dally M Medal.
Tedesco was snubbed by selectors during the State of Origin series, with Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards earning a call-up and starring for the NSW Blues.
But with the recent decision from Kalyn Ponga to rule himself out of selection for the Kangaroos, there’s a clear “shoot-out” between Edwards and Tedesco.
Trent Robinson has heaped praise on Roosters captain James Tedesco. Getty/Instagram
Robinson reveals Radley ‘attraction’
Victor Radley is among the most popular stars in rugby league, with his toughness and throwback attitude making him a household name with the Roosters.
But on Friday night, the star forward will again go into the contest wounded, with his lingering shoulder issue still a major talking point.
Speaking to media prior to the prelim final against the Storm, head coach Trent Robinson was asked whether Radley was “mad” for putting his body on the line and urged his teammates to rise to the occasion and support him.
“Yeah, he is [a bit mad] and that’s why he does play and that’s why everyone is attracted to the way that he plays,” Robinson said.
“We want to see people do stuff that we wouldn’t always choose to do, it’s a nice thing to look at when we watch rugby league. He is definitely at the forefront of that.
“When people love the club that much that they want to get out there and risk themselves to play for the people around them, all you can do is say thank you.
“That’s all we did … we will try and honour him in the way that we play.”
Radley has been named to start in the No.13 jumper against the minor premiers.
Victor Radley suffered a fractured scapula in round 26. Getty
Coaches on alert as fiery duel looms
The looming battle between Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Nelson Asofa-Solomona in Friday night’s prelim final has been a major talking point this week.
But neither of their coaches are leaning into the hype.
In what promises to be a fiery encounter between the two Kiwi behemoths, Waerea-Hargeaves will be hoping to extend his career at the Roosters for one more week when his side takes on minor premiers Melbourne in a grand final qualifier.
The pair have had a running battle on the field for many years but according to Trent Robinson, there will be no clear directive from the Tricolours towards their alpha male.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will do battle for the final time. Getty
