Jake Friend’s finals and home state hopes remain alive after being cleared of his facial fractures on Saturday, but Rake Roosters will still need to go through concussion protocols in order to take his place during the opening weekend of the play-offs
Friend’s season was feared to end after being embroiled in an accidental head-to-head clash with Campbell Graham just three minutes after his side’s 60-8 loss to South Sydney However, the scans cleared Friend a broken jaw or cheekbone in a timely boost for defense prime ministers
A friend still has doubts this week after failing to assess his head injury, his second concussion in the space of a month The veteran hooker, who is set to announce an extension of contract shortly, will have to pass a series of cognitive tests to determine his ability to return to the game
The Roosters have a habit of being cautious with their concussed players, as evidenced by the way they treated skipper Boyd Cordner recently
If Friend is ruled out, the Habs will enter the final with their fourth pick as hooker, as Sam Verrills and Victor Radley are also ruled out with serious knee injuries Lachlan Lam spent time at half the model against the Rabbitohs, while Freddy Lussick will also likely be used for the whore if Friend is left out
Friend is one of the main contenders to wear the Maroons No9 jersey at the end of the season An Origin berth is one of the few accolades that has eluded him in an illustrious career
Friend’s setback didn’t detract from a stunning performance from Souths, who totally dominated after conceding the opening try Cody Walker was a standout personality and established himself as a key figure in the quest by Wayne Bennett for an eighth post of Prime Minister
« [Cody’s] is wonderful to watch, » said half partner Adam Reynolds « It’s my job to give him a clean ball I’m leading the team around the park and getting him into the field position he needs. He was clinically finishing a few of these trials »
The Rabbitohs have now won the right to stage a clash in the opening week of the final after securing their biggest victory over the Roosters in the legendary rivalry’s 112-year history It’s an incredible turnaround after losing to the Bulldogs, 15th last weekend
« It’s obviously nice; it means we’re doing something right, » said Reynolds. « We came for each other The main focus of the game was defense
« We improved a lot last week We have to build on this for next week We can’t pat our backs Done We have to move fast and prepare for next week
« We showed what we can do when we hold the ball Last week was not good enough and in [Friday] ‘s performance we showed the teams what we can do when we strengthen pressure and kick the teams in a corner We need to make sure we bring the same attitude next week «
Sydney Roosters
World News – UA – Friend cleared of facial fracture and could play first week of final
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
