Lockyer's rep call could steal limelight
While two competition points and righting the ship will be vital for both the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane on Friday night, it could be Darren Lockyer's appearance at the post-match press conference which steals the limelight.
Technically at least, that will be the Test captain's first appearance after his round four deadline to make a decision on his future in representative football.
Reports suggest the 33-year-old is leaning towards pulling the pin on his 30-State of Origin, 50-Test career.
Coach Ivan Henjak did little to suggest otherwise when the Broncos landed on Thursday ahead of the traditional Good Friday Sydney Football Stadium clash.
"Darren's a really team-orientated guy and I know deep down his main concern is with our footy team and what's happening there rather than what's in store for him down the track," Henjak said.
"He just wants to see our footy team going well and I'm sure that's more a heavy burden on him than the decision he has to make for his rep footy."
Henjak has said all along that he and the club wouldn't pressure Lockyer, and the coach confirmed there was no sign of tension in his skipper.
"I haven't seen it in him anyway," Henjak said.
"He knows he's got a big decision to make, he'll do the right thing, he'll do what's right for him and for the club."
While Melbourne star Greg Inglis may have been copping the flak about being overweight this week, it was the Broncos and Roosters who were last weekend's biggest losers.
Brisbane will be looking to turn around last Sunday's 48-16 belting by the Warriors and getting a 1-2 season back on an even keel.
The Roosters' record 60-14 loss to Canterbury burst a bubble that had delivered the rejuvenated club two first-up victories.
But at least the Roosters came through unscathed, while Brisbane lost backs Israel Folau (finger) and Denan Kemp (ribs), adding to an already debilitating injury list.
They also lost assistant coach Allan Langer, who was suspended after a drink-driving charge during the week.
"We're all feeling for (Langer) but apart from that we've picked a side and we've had a good week of training and we're ready to go," Henjak said.
"When you have a poor performance and it gets a little bit embarrassing you always want to try and erase that very quickly so the short turnaround has been good for us."
Lockyer seemed to suggest his side had thrown in the towel against the Warriors and, asked if the players had steeled themselves to prove that wrong, Henjak said: "You never can tell until you get out there but I'd like to think their character's going to demand that of them."
Roosters captain Braith Anasta said attitude had let his side down.
"We've got all the ability in the world and we can probably beat any team on our day with our attack," he told AAP.
"You've got to win games on the back of your defence and your attitude in defence.
"We have got to make sure mentally we're there."
The Roosters have lost their past six Good Friday clashes with Brisbane, who are undefeated at the SFS since 2005.
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