With James Tedesco refreshed and recharged, Daniel Tupou is backing the Sydney Roosters skipper to be the catalyst for a late charge into the NRL's top eight.
The Roosters suffered their 10th defeat of the season on Saturday when they lost 30-16 to Melbourne, leaving them 14th on the ladder - four points off the top eight.
Tedesco was given a week off by coach Trent Robinson after an arduous 18 months for the fullback, who has played 50 games for club, state and country in that time.
"I'm sure we'll get a fresh Teddy," winger Tupou said.
"Having a week off, which he definitely needed with his commitments and his schedule (will be a boost).
"We're pretty stoked that he gets to get away and refresh the body and the mind. We'll get him back and ready for this weekend for sure."
Tedesco has attracted some criticism for his form, as well as for holidaying in Byron Bay while his team was fighting to save their season.
But forward Nat Butcher said the Chooks No.1 had earned a refresh.
"We all got a week off (with the round-19 bye) and the way Origin is, Teddy didn't get that time off," Butcher said.
"That rest was probably deserved.
"We know Teddy is going to be primed and ready to go for the back end of the season."
The Roosters have a tough run to round out their campaign, beginning with a trip to take on Gold Coast on Saturday followed by games against Brisbane, Manly, Parramatta and Souths.
Robinson conceded after the Storm loss that his side were facing an uphill battle with just seven games left.
Only Wests Tigers have a worse attack than the Roosters, but Tupou is adamant they can rewrite the script and finish the year with a bang.
"We've just got to make plays and finish those moments," Tupou said.
"We still have belief in ourselves."
