South Sydney was outclassed by a Roosters side missing their Origin stars, and can all but kiss their final's chances goodbye if they don't beat the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.

Fresh off a brilliant Origin performance, Michael Morgan is again set to lead the Queenslanders in the absence of Thurston. If anything, Morgan has grown as a footballer with the added responsibility.

The Cowboys have had their feet up for the week after crushing Canberra in the capital, so despite the heavy travel, they should be fresh.

South Sydney have to win, there's no way around it. That desperation may drive them on, but with Taumalolo and co fresh off a week off, it's hard to see Souths keeping their finals chances alive.

Cowboys by 4.