James Tedesco has granted Spencer Leniu a licence to push his aggression to the absolute limit as the firebrand Sydney Roosters prop prepares for a finals showdown with former club Penrith.
The Roosters face the Panthers in a qualifying final on Sunday and Leniu is sure to draw plenty of attention from his old teammates after his eye-catching antics in last Friday's final-round defeat to South Sydney.
The hot-headed front-rower engaged in a lengthy pushing contest with a dose of verbal to head with Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi, which resulted in Leniu conceding a penalty.
And every time the cameras flashed to the prop on the sidelines at Allianz Stadium, Auckland-born Samoa international Leniu was met with a chorus of boos.
He responded by mimicking Russell Crowe in the Gladiator, turning to the crowd, arms aloft as if to say, 'Are you not entertained?'
"We've told him to lead from the front, and he did that with his passion and his aggression, and it's enjoyable to see that," Tedesco told AAP.
"I think that is an important factor for us. Spencer has to go to that level to be at his best and he was riding the emotions.
"Obviously, there is a line and we don't want him to give away possession when we've got the ball.
"But when Spencer plays with that aggression, I think that intimidation is a positive for us against the other team."
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The Roosters beat Penrith last month but for the most part since the start of their dynasty began in 2020, the Panthers have dominated the match-up and boast a 12-2 record over Trent Robinson's side.
The Tricolours lead the competition in errors but Tedesco is adamant the only way to beat Penrith is by continuing to take risks.
"We can play any style ... but you have to because they don't give you a lot of opportunities," Tedesco said.
"If you're in shape and you're running good plays at them consistently then you'll break them down.
"That's what we love to do, we have the confidence and it's about not shying away from it, going out and playing some footy."
