Sydney Roosters forward Lindsay Collins has declared his side will not be bullied for the second-straight week when they face Manly in Saturday night's semi-final.
The Roosters pack was dominated early in last week's loss to the Panthers, Penrith steamrolling their way to a 22-0 lead after 23 minutes.
Collins has emerged as the leader of a new-look forward unit after the recent arrival of Spencer Leniu and Terrell May, and the looming departure of veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
It's a responsibility Collins takes seriously and he's determined to send a message from the opening whistle on Saturday night.
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"I've been stewing on it over the last week," Collins told pan66.com when asked about the Panthers pack's dominance last week.
"It hasn't been nice. They were a lot more physical than us and they beat us to the punch. It's not something you like as a front rower but it's the reality. We've taken our lessons from it and moved on, we'll be better for it."
Match: Roosters v Sea Eagles
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Roosters
3rd Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
7th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The Roosters have received a double bonus this week with Waerea-Hargreaves returning from suspension for what could be his last game in the NRL and lock Victor Radley making an unlikely comeback from a scapula facture.
The 26-year-old suffered the injury just three weeks ago but has been passed fit to line up at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The pair's return will help the Roosters nullify a physical Sea Eagles pack led by Taniela Paseka, Matt Lodge, Jake Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau'atu.
Collins conceded his side has lacked physicality without Waerea-Hargreaves and tipped him to lead from the front on Saturday.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves: Game 307
"He's fresh, he's keen to get back and we've been missing the big fella," Collins said.
"He's just him. He has that aggressive nature. That's what we missed last weekend in the forward pack.
"The front rower sets the standard. He always sets the standard every time he plays."
Waearea-Hargreaves is preparing for just his second match since Round 18 after a pair of suspensions forced him to watch seven games from the sidelines in the Roosters run to the finals.
It has been a disappointing period for the Roosters' most capped player, who will depart for Hull KR after 15-years with the club.
The 35-year-old has made a career out of physically dominating his opponents, treading a fine line with his aggressive playing style.
Waerea-Hargreaves at his aggressive best
While he has stepped over the edge at times, coach Trent Robinson said he won't be giving Waerea-Hargreaves any specific instructions before the game.
"He's got a style of play and we back Jared," Robinson told reporters. "We're looking forward to him bringing the intensity from the start.
"We know the way he plays, everyone knows the way he plays and we're backing him to be at his best."
