ALTONA Roosters have one last hurdle to overcome to seal a berth in the Victorian Rugby League first grade finals.
The Roosters will claim the fourth and last spot with victory over Waverley-Oakleigh Panthers on the road in Sunday’s last round.
If they lose, it muddies the waters somewhat, as they will be rely on lowly Doveton Steelers to upset fifth-placed Craigieburn Phoenix to advance.
Roosters player-coach Jason Warr told the Weekly his team was treating the game as cutthroat.
“It’s our final,” he said.
“For us, every game is a grand final from now on. It’s do or die all the way through.”
The Roosters are in this predicament for two reasons.
They had an incredibly tough adjustment to life with a fresh squad of players, losing their opening three games of the season.
And they had a chance to lock down a finals spot on Saturday but left the door open for the Phoenix with a 24-14 loss to that side at Hothlyn Reserve.
Warr is proud of what his Roosters-in-transition have managed to achieve with a new squad after the defection of seven players, including state representatives, at the end of last season.
They have won seven of their past 10 matches to stay in the hunt for the finals.
“It’s been a big transition year,” he said.
“There’s been a bit of shuffling around and a lot of new guys.
“The harmony is there and the boys have all put the work in.
“To come back from that is testament to the boys and the culture at the club.”
Warr and fellow co-coach Mike Hurinui have formed a strong halves combination for the Roosters.
Their leadership on the park has been a guiding light for the squad’s younger
members.
Hurinui has set the example with his “old school” style of play.
“He just goes hard all the time,” Warr said. “One of those blokes that never gives up.”
Aiden Hema, Bradley Potae and Ben James are of a similar ilk.
The hard-running back rowers will have to be at their best if the Roosters are to achieve their finals goal.
-Lance Jenkinson
VRL
First grade: Craigieburn Phoenix 24 d Altona Roosters 14
