'Iced those moments': DCE ready to bury field goal demons
- Author
- Timestamp
Skipper James Tedesco has backed halfback Daly Cherry-Evans to deliver in the big moments in Saturday's semi-final as the Roosters put their season on the line.
Field goal set up will be a key focus at training this week after Cherry-Evans' attempt sailed wide in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.
The miss came just moments after Nathan Cleary kicked the go-ahead field goal to give Penrith a lead they never relinquished.
With Saturday's semi-final against the Sharks at Allianz Stadium expected to come down to the wire, field goal execution could play a key role in determining the winner.
Cleary puts the Panthers in front
Tedesco has watched Cherry-Evans deliver in high-pressure moments throughout his career and backed the veteran to stand tall this weekend.
"He was disappointed but it's not just on him," Tedesco said. "He's iced those so many times and we've got all the confidence and belief he'll do it again when we need him to.
"Chez acknowledged straight after the game and took a bit of responsibility but it wasn't on him.
"In the high-pressure situations you know it's not going to be perfect. He's done it numerous times and has missed a couple. He practises a lot at training and nails them every time.
"When he does get another opportunity, and I hope he does, he's going to nail it."
Match: Roosters v Sharks
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Sharks
5th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
One of the game's best field goal kickers, Cherry-Evans has landed 32 one-pointers throughout a decorated 16-year career.
The most recent sealed a 23-22 victory over the Knights in Round 21, while the halfback also slotted a field goal in the Round 16 win over the Raiders.
No Sharks player has kicked a field goal this season, however five-eighth Braydon Trindall kicked three last year.
Cherry-Evans puts the Roosters in front
The playmaker made a successful return from a dislocated shoulder in last week's elimination final victory over the Cowboys.
While North Queensland coach Todd Payten lamented his side's inability to target Trindall, the Roosters are determined to send plenty of traffic down his defensive channel.
"In our Roosters system, we tend to run at that three-man," centre Rob Toia said. "Especially with Siua [Wong] powering through, if we run at him [hopefully we'll get results]."
The Roosters are set to welcome back representative forward Angus Crichton on Saturday night, with the back-rower named on the six-man bench.
Crichton hasn't played since injuring his foot in Round 15 and is determined to have at least one more game before leaving the club to play rugby union.
Saturday also looms as the potential end of an era for Cherry-Evans, who will join Hull FC next year after 16 years in the NRL.
DCE preparing for one last NRL Finals charge
Mark Nawaqanitawase and Connor Watson will also depart the club at the end of this season and Tedesco is determined to send the group out on a high.
"We're coming towards the end of their careers at the Roosters and you want to make it as special as possible," Tedesco said.
"There's some core guys leaving. It's not a big talking point but between the players we know we want to make the most of this opportunity, especially with the guys leaving."
One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. Family tickets are available from just $59. Click here to secure your seats and get behind your team.
