Despite a relocation for their Round 16 clash and a number of protocols implemented for all Sydney-based NRL teams this week, Daniel Tupou, Joseph Manu and Adam Keighran say the Roosters are well equipped to handle the sudden change ahead of their clash with the Melbourne Storm.
With Thursday night's match against the Storm relocated to Newcastle, Tupou has taken a pragmatic approach and believes that while playing at the Club's hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground would be ideal, his teammates will need to adjust to the situation accordingly.
“Obviously it’s always good to be at home, and it’s unfortunate we won’t be able to be at the SCG next week,” he said.
“I guess it’s just home for us. All the fans come out and that support does really help, it’s just the feel of the place. Playing at the SCG, I wouldn’t want to play at any other venue.
“But it’s good to be back here at training and my mindset is pretty cruisy – I’m just looking to play the best I can for next week. As a team we’ve got to adjust to the venue we are playing at and play the best that we can.
“We can’t do much about it but adjust to the rules and come into training and prepare and that’s where it’s at."
We come in here, we train hard, and that’s what we’ll do today and tomorrow as well. It doesn’t change when we get inside these walls, once we get in here we're in the full swing of things.
Adam Keighran On the Roosters' determination despite protocols
Usually crashing over the top of opponents in the centres, change has been something that Manu has embraced so far in 2021, filling in at both fullback and five-eighth on numerous occasions as injuries and suspensions have forced changes to the line up.
Following a two day camp at the beginning of the week, a grateful Manu says he is looking forward to returning to Roosters HQ before heading up to Newcastle on Thursday night.
“We’re pretty lucky that we get to go out of our houses and do something that we love. I enjoy training and seeing all of the boys so we’re good," he confirmed.
“It’s been a bit quiet around this place but I’m looking forward to getting back into training this week and getting out there in Newcastle.
“It’s a big challenge, but something that I look forward to. As long as I’m out on the field I don’t mind where I play. I just try my best in whatever position I play."
“I enjoy playing whatever position on the field, I've been getting some time in the halves this year. I’ve played fullback and I’ve found them very similar positions, whenever I get the chance to play there, I enjoy it.
A surprise packet for Roosters Members and supporters has been the emergence of Adam Keighran, with the utility finding his home in the no.9 role over the last month, even going over for a try in their Round 15 match against Penrith.
Crediting Trent Robinson's open approach to change, Keighran says that he has taken to the Head Coach's philosophies and belief in making a successful transition into the middle of the field.
Match: Roosters v Storm
Round 16 -
home Team
Roosters
6th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
“He sort of comes to you as a person and makes sure you’re confident in your role,” Keighran explained.
“He’s so passionate about winning and it rubs off on the boys as well, and everybody just jumps at that opportunity that’s given to them.
"He made sure I knew exactly what I was doing – with the rest of the coaching staff of course – and he gives you the confidence to go out there and do your role.
“I think the boys are jumping off the back of that and making sure they’re doing what’s best for the team and everyone’s keen to do it.
“I’m happy with where I’m going playing hooker, and to score the other night was another notch in my belt, I’m enjoying it."
Roosters Train at King's
A temporary move to the Hunter is no issue for the Central Coast product, who cited the side's cut-throat determination in getting back on track with the remaining ten regular-season rounds kicking off next week.
“We come in here, we train hard, and that’s what we’ll do today and tomorrow as well. It doesn’t change when we get inside these walls, once we get in here we're in the full swing of things,” he said.
“I’m from the Central Coast so it’s sort of closer to my home anyway. I’ve played a few games there and I enjoy playing there.
“I’m looking forward to it this week and obviously if we could get back to the SCG as soon as possible it would be good, but at the moment I’m not complaining about getting up there, I’m quite keen."
More on Roosters.com.au
Under 19s Women Secure Origin Win
