Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Nelson Asofa-Solomona have opted to avoid media interviews this week, choosing not to escalate the ongoing rivalry stemming from their past confrontations on the field. Their matchup in Friday night’s preliminary final at AAMI Park is anticipated to be pivotal, especially as the Roosters seek to overcome a challenging record against the Melbourne Storm, the minor premiers.
Despite the emotional weight of last year’s finals exit at the hands of the Storm, Roosters coach Trent Robinson emphasizes that there’s no notion of “emotional revenge” driving their efforts. He believes the team has enough internal motivation to spur them on. This match could potentially mark the final NRL appearance for Waerea-Hargreaves if the Roosters are defeated, heightening the stakes as he prepares to unleash the same ferocity he displayed against Manly in the previous week.
That match was Waerea-Hargreaves’ return from a three-week suspension due to a high tackle, and he played a crucial role in energizing the Roosters pack, leading to one of their most dominant performances after a tough loss to Penrith. His aggressive style is expected to be on full display against Asofa-Solomona, renewing a rivalry that dates back to their last victory over Melbourne in 2022. During that encounter, Waerea-Hargreaves even spent time in the sin bin, a strategic decision that ultimately helped his team gain the upper hand in physical confrontations.
Robinson stressed that Waerea-Hargreaves’ focus should be on his own gameplay rather than on Asofa-Solomona. “It’s not about the individual or the opposition; it’s about how he plays,” Robinson explained, noting that Waerea-Hargreaves naturally brings high intensity to the field. “We just want him to play his game alongside the rest of the forward pack. Each of them knows their role.”
For the Roosters to succeed, maintaining the aggression they demonstrated against Manly is crucial, particularly given their recent struggles against the Storm, having lost 10 of their last 11 encounters. However, the Roosters did manage to deliver a memorable performance in the 2019 preliminary final, where physicality set the tone early in the match.
Robinson believes that aggression is key to their success. “When we play at our best, we honor our style of play,” he said. “Holding that intensity is vital, and we have players who thrive in that environment.” While acknowledging the need to be mindful of the Storm’s tactics, Robinson insists that the Roosters’ best performance is ultimately what matters most.
The Roosters’ historical struggles against Melbourne have been a topic of discussion, but last year they came close to eliminating the Storm in the finals, only to be thwarted by a last-minute try from Will Warbrick that sealed an 18-13 victory. Despite fielding a weakened backline at the time, Robinson is confident his team is better prepared for the upcoming clash, even with the absence of key players like Sam Walker and Brandon Smith.
“We are a stronger team this year, and our performances reflect that,” Robinson stated. “We have confidence in our game style and feel settled in how we play. It’s essential that we execute our strategy effectively tomorrow night.”
Robinson noted a sense of calm within the squad, stemming from clarity about their style and objectives. He believes that past experiences, both positive and negative, serve as lessons rather than emotional baggage. “The past is the past,” he reflected. “There are things I wish we could change, but we can’t go back. Instead, we focus on how to improve and adapt.”
In preparing for the match, Robinson is clear that the team’s focus should be on tactical execution rather than seeking emotional revenge. “It’s not about building up anger or resentment; it’s about honing our strategies and learning from previous encounters,” he said.
As the Roosters gear up for this critical showdown, all eyes will be on Waerea-Hargreaves and Asofa-Solomona, with both players representing the essence of their teams’ competitive spirit. The anticipation is palpable as the Roosters aim to shift the narrative against the Storm, looking to demonstrate their growth and resilience on the field. The stakes could not be higher, and with the outcome potentially impacting Waerea-Hargreaves’ future, this matchup promises to be a defining moment in his storied career.
