‘Ask the question’: Roosters put target on Cleary
Roosters coach Trent Robinson says his side will “ask the question” of Nathan Cleary’s injured shoulder on Friday night.
But he says it would be foolish to deviate from the game plan just so they can run more traffic at the Panthers star.
Cleary is back after missing three games with a shoulder injury that he’s been carrying since the pre-season and aggravated in the loss to the Storm last month in a match that decided the minor premiership.
But the champion playmaker is back on deck after proving his fitness at training and won’t require any painkilling needles to get through Friday’s blockbuster qualifying final.
Cleary’s shoulder is an obvious target for Brad Fittler Medal winner Angus Crichton, who has bullied opposition halfbacks with his 14.2 carries a match this season, but don’t expect the edge forward to become a ball magnet on Friday.
“You know when someone has got an injury, and you know that you have to ask the question,” Robinson said.
“But you don’t change your game plan towards it.
“I think we’ve had examples in the past where people have changed direction based on opposition injuries, but that’s not the focus that you need.
“You need to be aware of it, but we’ll play our style. We’ll play how we want to play, and a part of that will be Gus running the way that Gus runs.
“We’ll ask the question, but we won’t deviate from what we want to do.”
Blues legend Andrew Johns was furious that NSW didn’t go after Johnathan Thurston’s shoulder in an Origin game, while the Storm were guilty of trying to find Cooper Cronk’s busted shoulder in the defensive line in the 2018 grand final.
It’s why the Roosters will stick solid to what’s worked for them this season as they look to snap a nine-game losing streak against Penrith.
“Not talking about specific games, but I know from my experience that you’ve played all year, so your game plan is your game plan, and you want to honour your style,” Robinson said.
“You then have to be aware of opportunities, but that doesn’t overtake your style. So be aware, exploit it when the opportunities arise, but you don’t deviate from your game plan because that’s home for you.”
Cleary’s fitness has taken the attention off Roosters halfback Sandon Smith, who has massive shoes to fill with superstar Sam Walker out with a knee injury.
Teammates have spoken glowingly of the young playmaker who will replace Luke Keary in the halves next season, with Robinson confident that Smith is “ready” for the finals.
“I don’t think I’ve wavered at all on Sandon,” he said.
“Right back when Luke made his decision five months ago, I’ve been very clear with Sandon about his role in the team and his development. It wasn’t even a question for me about the belief I have in him and the role he’s going to play.
“He’s ready.”