Coach Trent Robinson has quashed rumours of disunity at the Sydney Roosters as they prepare to continue an uphill battle for NRL finals football against Manly on Sunday.
The 12th-placed Roosters are searching for just their third away win of the season and will do so without star Joseph Suaali'i, who was ruled out on Saturday after suffering a headknock at training midweek.
Suaali'i is a big loss for the Roosters, whose struggles in attack have left them with the lowest points average per game this season (16.4) and equal-last try tally (41).
On Saturday Robinson was asked about a report claiming rumblings of disunity at the club.
"Often people push their little agendas through that when they're disgruntled from outside," Robinson told reporters.
"Pretty rare that I've seen as unified a group in this time. We're really focused on each other and everyone's really taking responsibility.
"I haven't seen any finger-pointing....and that's what I've loved actually the last month about how much the guys have looked internally and said, 'what can I do to help the team and work towards that'?
"We feel really strong about who we are and where we're going. We just want to start playing better footy. Pretty simple."
With Suaali'i ruled out, Robinson made some forced changes to a side that fell 20-18 to Canberra last week, with Junior Pauga named on the wing and Corey Allan at centre in place of Billy Smith.
Jake Turpin will likely be a game-day decision after suffering a rib injury against the Raiders with Drew Hutchinson shaping as cover at hooker, while Siua Wong has been named to make his NRL debut for the tricolours.
There is no place for enforcer Matt Lodge in the team after the 28-year-old prop requested a release from the club this week.
Robinson said the club had granted Lodge's desire to move on.
"I'm not sure where where that's at as far as another club at the moment, but that's where it's set for a couple of weeks and that should be resolved in the next week," he said.
History favours the Roosters against Manly, having won six of their last eight fixtures but the Sea Eagles have won four from six at 4 Pines Park in 2023.
