ALTONA Roosters captain Ben James says his side is keen for “two bites of the cherry” when the Victorian Rugby League first-grade finals arrive.
The Roosters are on track for the double chance after moving a game clear at the top of the ladder after a challenging but successful fortnight when they beat up on two premiership threats.
On Saturday, the Roosters handed out a 24-10 lesson to the North West Wolves at Loft Reserve, while seven days earlier they ventured to the Cage to beat Sunbury United Tigers 30-12.
The Roosters, last year’s premiers, seem to have a psychological edge on teams involved in the premiership race.
“The teams we’ve played in the last two weeks are going to be teams that will make the semis,” James said. “It’s good to get one over them during the regular season… it’s a bit of an edge over them come semi-final time.
“We’re pushing for the top two and it’s good knocking off second place as it puts us two points ahead of the nearest rival.”
The unpredictable Roosters are enjoying a variety of avenues to the tryline, with Aiden Hema, Josh Hurinui and Broski Emery-Hunia among the points.
“It’s good having a good spread of try scorers because it shows the ball is getting to both sides of the field,” James said. “We don’t throw to one side, which makes us harder to defend against.”
The Roosters have been finding a way out of their own end with ease.
They are completing their sets and there’s quality on the end of those sets. Half-back Keni Blair has provided the polish with his outstanding kicking game.
The Roosters will face cellar dweller Craigieburn Phoenix at Loft Reserve on Saturday.
