Roosters prop Siosiua Taukeiaho says he doesn't think damaged ligaments in his left ankle will keep him out of Saturday night's preliminary final against the Rabbitohs but expects it to stop him taking over as the team's goal-kicker.
The one-week suspension incurred by boom centre Latrell Mitchell has left the Tricolours needing to settle on a new goal-kicker ahead of their grand final qualifier.
Taukeiaho lasted just eight minutes of the team's qualifying final win over Cronulla in week one of the finals before limping from the field. He has been named to start at prop against South Sydney.
On Tuesday, Taukeiaho told NRL.com he had not run since incurring the injury but was confident it wouldn't keep him from playing.
"It was good to get the win against Cronulla so we got the week off. It's been about getting as much recovery as possible but also getting some training in," he said.
"It was just an ankle ligament, my left ankle. It wasn't too bad, I didn't fracture it or anything, just a bit of damage to the ligament."
Cordner: Origin victory gave us confidence
He anticipated taking part in full training through the week and playing on Saturday.
However, the injury has also prevented him from taking any goal kicks at training over the past fortnight. The one-game suspension to first-choice kicker Latrell Mitchell means Ferguson, the other back-up, will take over against Souths.
"At the moment, Blake Ferguson is kicking. I haven't been focusing on goal kicking lately," Taukeiaho said.
"I'm more focused on just getting myself ready and feeling 100 per cent ready for Saturday's game. Just ticking every box as I go."
With Mitchell spending very little time off the field this season, Taukeiaho and Ferguson have not been called upon much. Taukeiaho said that hadn't stopped he and Ferguson from working on the craft regularly since the pre-season.
They also have similar figures in limited chances this year, with each taking seven shots in 2018 with Ferguson slotting six of those and Taukeiaho five.
"Once I know I'm playing then I'll start practising my kicking some more. If I get tossed up to kick I'll put my hand up," he added.
"You've got to be ready if a kicker goes down. Me and Blake, we're both ready. We've been practising since pre-season. Whenever we get the tee chucked at us, it's our job to get the job done."
Secure a match ticket
A limited amount of tickets are still left to enjoy the 2018 Telstra Premiership NRL Grand Final. Don’t miss your chance to secure your seat via Ticketek HERE
Travelling for the grand final?
You can secure your tickets and travel all in the one place with ‘build your own’ packages still available HERE