Roosters star Victor Radley looks set to play in Saturday night’s sudden-death semi final against Manly, despite still dealing with a serious shoulder injury.
The back-rower suffered a fracture in his scapula during the Roosters round 26 loss to the Raiders. Having not been expected to play again this season, he was a shock inclusion in the extended squad for this weekend.
And the biggest indication yet of his fitness for the must-win clash, Andrew Johns has revealed Radley will take the field against the Sea Eagles.
READ MORE: ‘Why I sound like this’: Concern over Spudd’s voice
READ MORE: Why curious Bennett ploy ‘didn’t surprise’ Gould
READ MORE: ‘Top priority’ explained as Penrith duo set for split
“Yep – I saw him, he’s playing,” he said on Wide World Of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.
At this stage, the club are yet to confirm whether or not the two-time premiership winner will line up, with a decision expected to be made on Friday.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
One man who will return is Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, giving the Tricolours a much-needed boost in the middle of the park after last week’s loss to Penrith.
Johns believes the return of the spiritual leader will sway the result in their favour, while also pointing out some of Manly’s defensive issues.
“Roosters by 14 – look at their team on paper, their forwards look so strong,” he said.
“And I can’t get over the size of their outside backs … they are all giraffes.
“Manly’s right edge of [Daly] Cherry-Evans, [Reuben] Garrick and [Lehi] Hopoate … Garrick kept coming in and left Hopoate stranded.
“I think they can get some joy down that edge.”
The winner of Saturday’s fixture will take on Melbourne in the preliminary final.
