LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In what can only be described as a brutal turn of events, Trent Robinson's Roosters have found themselves in a dire situation as they prepare for a bitter NRL clash with Souths.
Already battered and bruised by the injury bug, with key players dropping like flies, the Roosters are facing an uphill battle.
Premiership-winning ex-Sharks skipper Paul Gallen, a man who knows a thing or two about tough calls and fierce rivalries, has called on the Roosters to make a difficult decision.
With the finals looming large on the horizon, Gallen believes that the Roosters would be wise to rest some of their stars in order to avoid further damage.
The animosity between these two clubs runs deep, and Gallen knows that emotions will be running high on Friday night.
Souths, with nothing to lose, will be looking to make a statement and send off club legends Damien Cook and Tom Burgess in style.
The Roosters must be prepared for a physical battle, and by taking some key players out of the firing line, they can ensure they are in top shape for the play-offs.
With Sam Walker, Brandon Smith, and Victor Radley all sidelined with injuries, the Roosters are in a precarious position.
Their final placing in the ladder is still up in the air, with a potential match-up against Penrith, Cronulla, or Melbourne in the first week of the play-offs.
It's a tough situation for the Roosters, but as they say in the world of Rugby League, it's not over until the final whistle blows.
The Roosters must dig deep, make the tough calls, and rise to the occasion if they want to have a shot at premiership glory.