With a full complement of players available for this Sunday's do-or-die clash against the Parramatta Eels, Captain Isabelle Kelly is confident her side can reach their third consecutive NRLW Final.
The Roosters are running hot, having built off the momentum from the 2021 Premiership triumph in April, winning all five of their regular season matches in 2022.
Kelly: "I'm Really Proud of the Girls"
Now, heading into their semi final match on Sunday, the side will be at full strength with the return of halfback Raecene McGregor and fullback Sam Bremner following well-earned rests.
“It’s going to be great,” Kelly said.
“I think having Rae back is going to be exceptional for us. She’s been outstanding this whole season so having our cranky little halfback will be great for us. She’s also amazing in these big games and she steps up when she needs to which is great.
“Sam Bremner as well; lots of energy and lots of talk at the back. I just love how much I can hear her on the field and you can always rely on her. I’m really excited for that.”
I’ve been really proud of all of them. I found it really effortless to lead this bunch of girls because they’re such a great group.
Isabelle Kelly On her first season as Captain
“There are all these players that are coming together to make a really great team performance and I’m really proud of all the girls.”
Following three opening wins, the Red, White and Blue solidified their spot in the 2022 finals series, which opened the opportunity to rest players and blood in a number of exciting young rookies.
For Kelly, in her first season as Captain, it has been an experience unlike any other.
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“It’s been unreal,” she said.
“The biggest thing we’ve taken away from that is that having everyone play has contributed to getting this Minor Premiership and into the semi finals.
"It hasn’t just been the same seventeen girls all the time - it’s been a massive team contribution. They’ve been unreal. All of them have stood up when they needed to and it’s been great that when we need those shoes filled, they can do the job.
“I’ve been really proud of all of them. I found it really effortless to lead this bunch of girls because they’re such a great group.
“They make my job a lot easier to lead as Captain, but I’ve loved every minute of it and I’m so lucky and grateful that I got the opportunity to lead the girls this season.
“It’s something that I haven’t taken for granted.”
But the high-flying Tricolours won't be overconfident against a Parramatta Eels outfit that snuck into finals calculations following a big win over the Brisbane Broncos in Round 5.
After all, it was the Roosters who were in that exact same position this time last season, going on to complete a remarkable turnaround to claim the Premiership.
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“They’re going to be tough,” said Kelly.
“They’re going to come out firing. They’re the team that we have said has grown within every single game in this competition, even though they’ve lost.
“They’re a team we can’t take lightly and I think they’ve got some classy players within that side.
“We’re hungry. We really want to get to this Grand Final and winning the Minor Premiership has helped with a bit of confidence as well.
“Having our full-strength team back up against them, it’s going to be a really good game.”
