LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
'He's a true legend': Victor Radley's return sparks the Roosters after forwards step up at grueling training sessions
A gritty week of training and the comeback of their two tough guys helped the Roosters get the job done on Saturday night and set up a showdown with the Storm for a shot at the grand final.
After being manhandled by the Penrith pack just a week prior, the Roosters answered back with a dominant display against Manly's forwards that was fueled by intense training sessions where players went all out against each other.
The physical intensity on Saturday night was no coincidence, as the forwards wanted to make a statement following their struggles against the Panthers in the previous final.
The tone was set early on with both front rowers making powerful runs, unfortunately resulting in Tolu Koula being forced out of the game and Jake Trbojevic having to undergo an HIA, which he managed to pass.
The Roosters didn't ease off after that, ending the night with a staggering 337 more running metres as James Tedesco shone in his landmark match.
"All the boys really stepped up and gave it their all in training," said reserve prop Spencer Leniu after the game.
"It was one of the toughest weeks we've had, almost felt like pre-season vibes.
We were really going at each other to flip that switch.
I'm just stoked that all that hard work paid off."