Angus Crichton will have a mountainous task this weekend, with the Roosters back-rower set to come up against State of Origin teammate Haumole Olakau’atu.
The 28-year-old has been in red-hot form for the Tricolours this year, but was one of many stars who struggled against reigning premiers Penrith in the qualifying final.
While the loss is a major setback for the Roosters, there’s still enough talent and grit in their squad to bounce back and make a dent in the finals series.
But according to Crichton, the onus will be on the engine room to lay a platform against Manly on Saturday night, starting with his own individual battle against Olakau’atu.
“As a pack, we need to be better and we’ll aim up this week,” he told 9News Sydney.
“He’s a good mate, we got on really well [in NSW camp] – he’s a legend. I really enjoy watching the way he plays and I actually haven’t come up against him before.
“Personally, that’s a bit of a role for me. He’s pretty good at running at halves and centres – I’ll try do a job on him. I think you just have a crack and go in there with intent.”
Olakau’atu was at his rampaging best in the narrow elimination final win over the Bulldogs last weekend, going toe-to-toe with rival enforcer Viliame Kikau.
A showdown with Crichton will be one of many headlines going into this weekend’s fixture, but the return of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves could certainly level the playing field as the Roosters veteran prepares for his NRL swansong.
“He’s just that alpha guy in our pack,” Crichton said.
“Every team needs a guy like him, he just leads from the front and he’s been doing it for so long and he’s such a big part of our team and our pack.
“He’s been stewing away on the sidelines, very grumpy and belting blokes at training and starting fights with guys like myself … it will be good to have him back on our side.”
Waerea-Hargreaves will be back on deck from suspension, while back-rower Victor Radley is considered an outside chance of making a return from a shoulder injury.
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