Roosters Aim to Overcome Storm’s Dominance in Preliminary Final
The Sydney Roosters are gearing up for a critical clash against the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary finals, seeking to dispel skepticism after a commanding 40-16 victory over Manly in the semi-finals. Coach Trent Robinson acknowledges the Roosters’ struggle against the Storm in recent seasons but remains determined to change the narrative at AAMI Park.
Robinson emphasized the need for his team to continue proving themselves, stating, “We need to continue to make a statement.” Following their convincing win, he downplayed the celebrations, focusing instead on the challenge ahead.
Historically, the Roosters have faced difficulties against Craig Bellamy’s Storm, suffering two defeats this season alone and being eliminated by them in a close match last year, which ended 18-13 in Melbourne. Robinson reflected on the previous year’s loss, recognizing its emotional toll but insisted that this is a new year and a fresh opportunity to compete in the preliminary finals.
Despite their recent struggles, the Roosters have a glimmer of hope, recalling their hard-fought victory against the Storm in 2022, which ended 18-14. Eleven players from that triumph are expected to take the field next week, with only a few key absences, including Drew Hutchison, Sam Walker, Sam Verrills, Matt Lodge, Egan Butcher, and Siosiua Taukeiaho.
The Roosters concluded the regular season as the highest-scoring team, closely followed by the Storm, setting the stage for an exciting matchup with a chance to secure a place in the grand final against either Penrith or Cronulla. All four top teams will compete in the preliminaries, highlighting the significance of this stage in the competition.
Robinson expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming game, praising his team’s performance and attitude after the semi-final. He noted, “I’m really proud of the way they handled this week,” while also acknowledging the necessity of maintaining focus. Although there was satisfaction in their performance, the team understands the importance of preparation for the formidable Storm.
In summary, the Roosters are poised for a crucial battle against a dominant Storm side, looking to assert themselves and turn the tide in their favor. With the experience of previous encounters and a solid performance behind them, they aim to advance to the grand final and silence the critics.
