The Bulldogs will head to Allianz Stadium on Friday night in a do-or-die semi-final clash with the Roosters. Ahead of the match, Roosters players have given their thoughts on the Bulldogs and what their focus is for the week.
The tri-colours head into week two off the back of a 20-18 loss to the Melbourne Storm and both Aiden Guerra and Jackson Hastings have said the side went away from what they do best against the Storm and this will be the focus for the Minor Premiers ahead of their battle with the Bulldogs.
“We need to get back to what we do best,” back rower Aiden Guerra said. “We went away from it on Friday night and that’s why we lost.
“If we play our style of footy, we can beat anyone and that’s what we’ll be working on this week,” added Hastings.
Meanwhile the Bulldogs head into the semi-final clash off the back of a golden-point victory over the Dragons and although the boys from Belmore haven’t got the points over the chooks in 2015, the Roosters players are aware of what the Bulldogs bring to finals footy and how big of a role both forwards pack will play in deciding the match.
“They’re always a threat,” said halfback Jackson Hastings. “They’ve got a very big forward pack and the Morris (Brett and Josh) boys have been outstanding.”
The battle up front will be outstanding and for youngster Dylan Napa, who loves the tough stuff, focusing on his own performance is what he feels is best for the tri-colours.
“I’m, more focused on what’s best for our team,” Napa added. “Worrying about the Bulldogs isn’t going to win us a game.”
Meanwhile, utility Mitchell Aubusson who is the smallest of the Roosters pack, knows it’s a big challenge, but believes they have the side to match it with the Dogs.
“It’s a big challenge for us,” he said. “I think we’ve probably got the best forward pack in the competition.
“The boys will get tight this week and make sure we’re ready for a big physical game.”
Week one of the finals saw plenty of good footy from all four games and although it was a one point win in the end for the Bulldogs, Roosters Skipper Jake Friend is expecting nothing less from the blue and whites this Friday night.
“The Bulldogs played well and we’re expecting them to turn up and play well again this week.” Friend said.
Quotes courtesy of Roosters TV
