NRL: Sydney Roosters back returning star Victor Radley to keep playing on the edge

The Roosters have played eight weeks without suspended star Victor Radley, but he’s back for the finals with a special message from his captain.

Victor Radley is sin-binned, a sight no Roosters fan wants to see in the finals. Picture: Gregg Porteous NRL Photos

Roosters skipper James Tedesco insists firebrand Victor Radley has learnt his lessons after two lengthy suspensions this year but wants him to play with the same fire and passion in the finals series.

Radley has missed eight games this year due to suspension. Most recently he was rubbed out for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Brisbane’s Albert Kelly but will return for the Roosters in Saturday night’s elimination final against the Titans in Townsville.

“I think he has learned a few lessons this year in terms of controlling (his aggression),” Tedesco said.

“For Rads, we can’t tell him not to play how he plays because he is so special and so great to play with him when he plays with that fire and passion.

“It is just about controlling it. Me and Rads are best mates and we have conversations all the time about footy and how we want to play.

“Sometimes he feels like he is hard done by. A lot of people feel like that, but he has just got to be controlled and disciplined. It is just how the game is at the moment. You can’t do some of that stuff.”

Victor Radley has been a familiar sight at the NRL judiciary. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Tedesco said the dual premiership-winning lock had been jumping out of his skin to get back on the field.

“He has been itching. He hates not playing and especially when he is suspended,” Tedesco said.

“He knows that he could be out there and he gets fired up, which you have got to contain with Radley and make sure he is not too fired up.

“He feels bad. He feels like he has let the team down when he is not playing, especially through suspension, but he is fresh and he is training the house down, so it is going to be great to have him back.”

Tedesco said rookie forward Egan Butcher had done “a great job” in Radley’s absence.

“But you can’t replace Rads. He is just an awesome player in attack with his silky ball skills and definitely helps our young halves out with his ball playing, direction and getting us to spots,” Tedesco said.

“His defence is unbelievable as well.”

The Roosters have been playing with more than $6m of their salary cap missing due to retirement, suspension or injury, but for once they can say that the cavalry is coming. Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns this week from a knee injury and Tedesco said forward Nat Butcher was also “a chance” to be back from his knee injury.

Radley is jumping out of his skin to get back on the field. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“Jared is our heart and soul and has been awesome for us this year. He has been our warrior, which is what we have needed from him with guys out,” Tedesco said.

“He has led the way, played 80 minutes at times and battled through little niggles. He hasn’t stopped and he’s had no excuses. He was ready to play last week but that extra rest is going to be good for him to freshen up.”

The Roosters have recalibrated many times this year after players dropped like flies due to injury. It is not just a second wind they are needing in the finals. It is more like a fifth wind, but Tedesco said they were ready for a premiership tilt.

“We couldn’t have predicted how this year would go, but we have ended the year well and I am really proud,” he said.

“We had a few guys come back from injury last week after a bit of a break and a few more this week from suspension and injury. They have all had a freshen up and are ready to go. We are all pumped.

“The most satisfying thing is all the young guys in our squad. We have seen them get better and better each week and we have been able to put ourselves in this position for the finals.”