Former Origin representative Brett Finch has put a line through the Sydney Roosters’ premiership hopes.
Finch, who played 95 games for the club from 2003 to 2006, believes Sydney's injury toll has become too big to overcome to mount a premiership push.
Trent Robinson’s side has lost key stars Luke Keary and Lindsay Collins to season ending ACL injuries this year, while Brett Morris (knee), Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner (concussion issues) have all retired mid-season with their future health in mind.
Joining SEN 1170 Drive, Finch was asked by Bryan Fletcher if he would rule out the Roosters in the race for the 2021 premiership.
“I think so,” Finch replied.
“But I think what they’ve done is unbelievable.
“To lose three players to season ending injuries is enough, but they’ve had three retirements. That’s unheard of.
“They (Friend, Cordner and Morris) are all leaders of the team, add on top of that Luke Keary their main playmaker and Lindsay Collins – I’ve never seen an injury toll quite like it.”
While teenage halfback Sam Walker has impressed since replacing Keary, Finch thinks the season is starting to wear on him and his teammates.
“I think young Sam Walker has also been tremendous, but it’s such a hard game to play week in week out, and for a kid he’s been superb this year,” Finch added.
“Backing up week in week out, (Walker) is the man who has to create everything for them and they did look sort of end of the line last week.
“I know Robbo (Trent Robinson) won’t be like that, he’ll keep working them hard, he’s a tremendous coach and they’re a great club…but last week they looked well off the pace.
“For some of them it’s getting to that back end of the season where it’s a bit tough and the year’s taking their toll with an awful run with injuries.”
The Roosters currently hold a 9-6 record and sit in sixth place on the NRL ladder.