The Sydney Roosters continue to walk the NRL finals tightrope.
But head coach Trent Robinson says his side is up for the challenge, while also sending a clear message of intent to Round 24 rivals, the Canterbury Bulldogs, who defeated the Roosters back in Round 11.
“Each week has been the most important week this season and it’s no different (against the Bulldogs),” Robinson said ahead of the Round 24 showdown.
“We need to attack them, they’re a very good team, but we have to go after it, there’s no other choice.”
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One week on from the fiery 64-12 drubbing of the Dolphins in Brisbane, the Roosters return home to Allianz Stadium with confidence rising and another NRL finals appearance well within reach.
Robinson said there are no illusions about the size of task ahead against the Bulldogs.
“The last couple of teams we’ve played have been in the top eight or just on the fringe, this is a top four team, the challenge goes up,” he said.
“We want to see our game style at the highest level, going toe to toe with the opposition.”
‘Do I want an aggressive Spencer Leniu? Definitely’
Asked about the role of firebrand forward Spencer Leniu following his sin-binning against the Dolphins, the Roosters coach praised the 24-year-old’s intensity while also offering a slight word of caution.
“Do I want an aggressive Spencer Leniu? Definitely,” Robinson said.
“That’s who he is, his ability to power carry, break lines and physically take on the challenge, the front row role is a battle and I like the fact he enjoys that.
“It’s good for our game and it’s good for the Roosters, going to that line and staying just under it is key for us.
“I definitely don’t want ‘Spenny’ running in from twenty metres away, but I do want him protecting our halfback—there are ways you can do that without getting sent to the bin.”
The last time the two sides met was Friday Night Football in Round 11, when an inspired comeback saw the Bulldogs win 24-20 at Accor Stadium after trailing 14-0 well into the second half.