Monday Bunker: Roosters v Raiders NRL grand final preview
Jake Friend is one of the best dummy halves in the game, but should he play in the decider? The Monday Bunker panel debate one of the hottest topcis in NRL grand final week.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It’s the question on everyone’s lips heading into the grand final – will Jake Friend play?
The Roosters co-captain has only played five matches this season and hasn’t taken the field in 10 weeks as he battles an arm injury.
The Monday Bunker crew debated what Roosters coach Trent Robinson should do and both Phil Rothfield believe the veteran shouldn’t play.
“If he’s fit I can’t see Trent Robinson not picking him, but I don’t think he’ll start him,” Kdouh said.
“He’s only played five games and he’s carried a different injury in each of those five games. If he does come back I think it’ll be off the bench.
“Sam Verrills has done a pretty good job for them in the absence of Friend, and I think he’s done a good enough job for Trent Robinson to trust him with the starting job in the grand final.
The Monday Bunker team featuring host Matt Suleau, Phil Rothfield and Fatima Kdouh dissect all the major issues from the NRL preliminary finals and previews the Roosters-Raiders decider. WATCH IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
“Jake is not the kind of player who would put his own interests ahead of the club.
“He loves that club, he’s got a very good relationship with Trent Robinson, if he thinks his match fitness is going to be a problem he won’t put himself in the position to be the weakest link.
Rothfield agreed, adding Friend’s lack of match-fitness could be a major burden against the tenacious Raiders.
“It’s a really, really tough decision because Jake Friend is a very popular with the senior players and the entire group,” Rothfield said.
“He’s the best defensive player at the club, Cooper Cronk will tell you that.
“I think they’ve got to go with the same team that got them there, and that’s really unfortunate for Jake.
“But it’s been so long, match-fitness has got to play a toll in the grand final. I can’t see him playing.”
WATCH THE MONDAY BUNKER IN THE PLAYER ABOVE