"Give Us a Field and We'll Play": Strange Not Deterred by Suncorp Semi

The NRLW semi-finals at Suncorp Stadium might not feature any Queensland-based sides, but Roosters Head Coach John Strange is far from concerned about playing away from home. 

The Tricolours will travel to Brisbane to take on the fourth-placed Parramatta Eels on Sunday afternoon for the chance to reach their third consecutive NRLW Grand Final.

And while a plane trip to face off against a fellow Sydney-based team might not exactly be the kind of reward you'd expect from claiming the Minor Premiership in a canter, the prospect of winning away from home isn't an issue for Strange. 

“I’m not bothered at all, to be honest,” Strange said. 

“When we were playing at Allianz Stadium and opening it as the first ever team to play there, while that’s exciting, the field is 100x68 and the grass is green - it’s exactly the same as Suncorp Stadium.

“I’ve said from day one we played Parra in Round 1 and we played pretty good footy and executed well, but watching the Eels playing every other game since I thought they were a good side and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly on Sunday.

“Just give us a footy field, it doesn’t matter what state it’s in, we’ll do our best.”

Everyone understands their role which is important, we’re hitting our marks and running the right lines and that’s showing in the way we’re attacking. 

John Strange NRLW Head Coach

In arguably one of, if not the most dominant regular season performances in the NRLW's history, the Roosters have romped through to win all five of their matches and claim the Minor Premiership.

Averaging over 30 points per game and leading the competition in categories such as points (156), possession (53%), tackle breaks (215) and try assists (23), the Tricolours are in a prime position to retain their title. 

Made all the better is the fact the side will be at full strength for their do-or-die semi final, with a number of players returning to the starting seventeen.  

“I’m really proud of them,” he said. 

“Last season was great winning the Premiership but it was a bit of a slow start and we gained momentum through the comp but this year we wanted to make sure we started strong and continue that and be consistent right throughout.

“I’m happy with the way we’re playing, absolutely. Everyone understands their role which is important, we’re hitting our marks and running the right lines and that’s showing in the way we’re attacking. 

“The seventeen we went with in Round 1, we’re really happy with and the girls have performed. We got into a position in Round 4 to rest some who were carrying niggling injuries and (to hand) debuts for girls to make sure they were ready if we needed them for next season.

“The fact we’ve got seventeen fresh girls available is very exciting for us.” 

Leading the side in her first season, Isabelle Kelly has been a force to be reckoned with on the left, and the man with the clipboard was sure to heap praise on his Captain for her outstanding leadership.

“She’s outstanding,” Strange beamed. 

“It’s no surprise to me. I coached at the Central Coast where she was the Captain there and she led on and off the field with her actions.

“The way she plays, she’s very tough, very aggressive and very competitive. The way she speaks to the girls, I leave them before kick-off and head off to the box while she has the last couple of words to them.

“She doesn’t beat around the bush - she’s straight to the point in what she wants from the players. She doesn’t expect anything from her teammates that she wouldn’t give herself out there as well which is important as a leader. 

“It’s pleasing for me as a coach and I’m sure it is for Roosters fans to see what she’s continually doing for this Club.”