Mindset and mentality unchanged for Roosters ahead of NRLW Grand Final

While there will be a few changes to the team on the field for the Sydney Roosters in the NRLW Grand Final on Sunday, the mindset and mentality will be the same as it's been since the first day of pre-season.

The Roosters fell short of a win in the Grand Final dress rehearsal last week, taking some much needed lessons before the big day and leaving the field with confidence in-tact. 

It was always going to take a lot more than a loss to shake the Roosters spirit, especially when there was so much to like about their performance in game three last Saturday afternoon. 

"They've been awesome for the last three years, and nothing's changed this year," Corban McGregor said of the Brisbane Broncos.

"We've got some things to improve on and we'll be working on those things in training. 

"We have to keep our confidence and believe in ourselves, stick together as a team."

When it comes to the mindset of the Roosters 2020 squad, you only have to look as far back as the Harvey Norman Women's Premiership to see just how much quality there is within the team. 

From the Premier Central Coast Roosters to the runner-up North Sydney Bears, there's quality people and footballers within the Club and the momentum from a tight competition has well and truly carried on. 

We do respect them as a group, but we certainly don't fear them

John Strange

Central Coast Roosters halfback Melanie Howard is full proof of that character, and was able to showcase that in her impressive maiden 2020 performance against the Broncos in game three. 

According to her though, the playing group alongside her makes it easy to shine. 

"I think we just work for each other, on and off the field," Howard said to RoostersTV. 

"We've just gelled really well, I can't put it down to any one thing in particular. 

"If I had to though, I'd say the effort and mindset has been the key."

An unsung hero in the group in 2020, Vanessa Foliaki has played all three seasons so far for the Sydney Roosters and has excelled her game in 2020. 

While she gives due credit Head Coach Jamie Feeney for assisting in her development over the past three seasons, she sings the praises of the playing group in 2020. 

"There's a different feel to it this year," Foliaki said to RoostersTV.

"The girls are all loving each other, loving the coaching staff and we're enjoying training. 

Foliaki expanded on the fact that little has changed for the Roosters heading into the Grand Final, especially in terms of mindset. 

Defence is the key, but the fighting spirit, enthusiasm and focus are the competing secret ingredients to ensure improvement against the defending Premiers. 

"For us nothing's changed really.

"Feens (Jamie Feeney) said at the beginning of the week that we just need to execute. 

"That's our main focus this week and we'll continue to do that. 

"If we're going to beat them on Sunday, we have to be at our best." 

With just two days until the big day, preparations are coming to a close and the time for talk is nearing an end. 

With the game plan locked in and the attitude well and truly in the right place, there's one last remaining test to wrap up the season the right way in 2020. 

According to Assistant Coach John Strange, there's a distinct line between the respect we have for our opponent on Sunday and our mindset towards the match. 

"They're a good side the Broncos, they've won the last two Premierships," Strange said to RoostersTV. 

"We do respect them as a group, but we certainly don't fear them. 

"Our girls won't be going there thinking about them, they'll be thinking about their own roles." 

Roosters fans who can't attend the Grand Final at ANZ Stadium are encouraged to get behind their team and watch the NRLW Grand Final on Channel Nine, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports or NRL Live Pass.