Leniu’s energy ‘key’ for Roosters in pivotal clash
Sebastian Tan |
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson won’t try to control Spencer Leniu’s aggression knowing the fiery star’s importance to a clash pivotal to their NRL finals hopes.
The explosive prop was one of four players sent to the sin bin in the Roosters’ 64-12 thrashing of the Dolphins last week, having rushed in to defend Sam Walker in a clash with rival players.
Leniu accepted a $1,800 fine for the latest in a series of outbursts, but Robinson said the three-time premiership winner’s aggression was key for the Roosters as they push for a top-eight finish.
A win against top-two hopefuls Canterbury on Friday night would see the Roosters jump into eighth spot, where they will finish the round if the Dolphins lose to Brisbane.
“Do I want an aggressive Spencer Leniu? Definitely,” Robinson said.
“It’s good for our game. It’s pretty key for us. We obviously need him in this game as well.
“His ability to power, carry, break lines, and then also physically take on the challenge and front-row role is still a battle, and I like the fact that he enjoys that part of it.
“I definitely don’t want Spenny (Leniu) running in from 20 metres.
“But do I want him protecting our half? There are a few different ways that you can do that without getting sent to the bin.”
Robinson also heralded Walker’s progression with the playmaker returning from an ACL injury that saw him sidelined for 314 days.
He said Walker had come back stronger and fitted in well with his new halves partner, Hugo Savala.
The coach expects defensive “intensity” against the Bulldogs, who have conceded the fewest points this season.
Robinson said his team was “starting to get to know our defensive system at its best” after conceding less than 20 points in three of their last four games.
But he conceded the Bulldogs would be a step up after consecutive wins over top-eight rivals Manly and the Dolphins.
“This is a top-four team. The challenge goes up, and if we want to be the team that we want to be this year, then it doesn’t matter what position they’re in,” he said.
“They’re a very good team, and there’s all respect to that, but it’s up to us to go after it. There’s no other choice.”
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed fullback Connor Tracey was on track to line up against the Roosters following a rare abdominal injury he suffered three weeks ago.
“There’s a very high chance he’ll play,” Ciraldo said.
“Connors is sort of the guy who runs our defence from the back there. He’s got a really loud voice and a high IQ. He’s an important part of our team. It’d be good to have him back out there.”
AAP
