Crichton returns to boost Roosters for Sharks clash and Walker could be next

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has confirmed Angus Crichton will make a long-awaited return from injury after a false start last week, and also revealed halfback Sam Walker is a strong chance to play in next weekend’s preliminary final should his side progress that far.

Crichton hasn’t played since round 15 after suffering a right navicular (foot) injury, which required minor surgery. However, he has been named on the bench to take on Cronulla in Saturday night’s elimination final clash at Allianz Stadium after having been a late scratching last week.

Robinson described the NSW and Australian forward “ready to go” and had no qualms about throwing him into an elimination clash after such a long lay-off.

“I don’t think the standard of the game changes when it comes to Angus,” Robinson said on Friday. “I just think it’s the time out with the injury and managing the minutes he’ll get on the field. That’s the only thing, but he’s played enough of these quality games to be ready to go back in.

“He wasn’t ready to go last week, simply put. That was the truth of it. He still had some issues last week, but he hasn’t had them this week, so he’s ready to go.”

Walker suffered a syndesmosis injury against the Dolphins in round 26 that required surgery, a setback that was initially considered season-ending. However, Robinson said he had recovered sufficiently to raise hopes of playing again this season.

“Another good progression this week, keep going,” he said. “There’s a little bit less weight on that ankle compared to other guys in our game, so he’s progressing well.”

Asked if Walker has a chance of playing next week if the Roosters’ campaign is still alive, Robinson replied, “Yeah, he’s a chance. Yep … Most of those guys end up doing straight-line running and all of that, whereas he’s back into some free movement and into some training, so that’s a real positive.”

The Roosters will go into the Cronulla clash off a six-day turnaround, and will need to do the same again next week if they qualify for a preliminary final. That compares to a seven-day turnaround for the Sharks, eight for the Warriors and nine for the Knights. Asked about the discrepancy, Robinson said: “That’s a good question. I’ll probably hold my opinion on that, to be honest.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to play finals; it’s as simple as that. I think it’s a fair question around how it’s scheduled and why it’s scheduled in this way, but those are the cards we’re dealt. We’re ready to play on six days, five days, four days - whatever it takes. So yeah, let’s go.”

Sharks star Braydon Trindall was clearly inconvenienced by a shoulder injury during a successful comeback in last week’s win over the Cowboys. Several Roosters players, including Robert Toia and Siua Wong, have indicated they will try to target Trindall in defence.

“Look, I think in these games you’ve got to know where to get to and what to look at in the opposition, but we want to play our game really well,” Robinson said.

“Some of that will be targeting certain players, but it will mostly be through our style of play. You have to acknowledge if there are any opportunities, but we want to honour the way that we play at the same time. So it’ll be a mix of both.”