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Roosters can't afford to rest: Tedesco

3 minute read

Sydney Roosters skipper James Tedesco says his team want a top-four scalp when they take on Souths as they look to build some momentum going into the finals.

JAMES TEDESCO.
JAMES TEDESCO. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

James Tedesco says a convincing win over South Sydney on Friday night is a chance for his Sydney Roosters to make an NRL title statement.

Currently sitting fourth, the Roosters can't catch the top three but could slip down the ladder if they lose to the Rabbitohs or Canberra in the final round.

In their last clash with a top-four rival, against Penrith earlier this month, they fell short, with skipper Tedesco saying a win over the third-placed Rabbitohs was a way to "redeem" themselves.

"It's a big test for us, obviously Souths are playing some really good footy at the moment and it's a good test for us to come up against a top side," Tedesco said on Monday.

"We had a good challenge against Penrith and probably didn't play our best so it's a good chance for us to redeem ourselves and obviously still fight for that top-four spot."

With fullback Tedesco starring, the Roosters banked a 40-22 win over St George Illawarra on Sunday but suffered further injuries which has been a theme of their season.

Centre Adam Keighran and Siosiua Taukeiaho both failed a mid-match HIA while backrower Nat Butcher was forced off with a knee injury.

Tedesco said their ongoing injury toll and suspensions, plus Manly and Parramatta nipping at their heels, meant they couldn't afford to rest any players.

"We don't really have the luxury or the place to rest," he said.

"But we're ready to go and we've got to keep fighting for that top-four spot and fight for our form going into the finals as well.

"We're not thinking about Manly or Parramatta, it's more just on us winning these next top two games.

"We want to be beating the top teams going into the finals so we will go after a win over Souths."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson opted to use young halfback Sam Walker off the bench and start with Lachlan Lam, which Tedesco thought worked well.

"Lammy (Lam) played well to start the game and then Sammy (Walker) came on and created some havoc when the middles were tired," Tedesco said.

"It's good for Sammy to refresh a bit and come off the bench and not have that responsibility - you forget how young he is.

"I"m not sure if Robbo is going to keep mixing it up but either way it's good for us as a team."

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