Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has given a cryptic clue about the injury return of star halfback Sam Walker after the tri-colours' loss to the Penrith Panthers on Sunday.
The tri-colours went down 19-12 to the Panthers in a highly entertaining clash, missing the opportunity for a week off and a cemented preliminary finals berth.
They will have to do it the hard way, and will now need to win three matches straight if they are to raise the trophy on the first weekend of October.
Following the match, Robinson also provided an update on Test second rower Angus Crichton, admitting he isn't sure he will be available to play next week as he recovers from his foot injury.
“I don't know about Gussy,” Robinson said in his post-match press conference.
Crichton has been earmarked to return during the finals to add a significant boost of firepower to the Roosters, who are looking for their first title in seven years.
Walker was spotted running for the first time a few days ago, and is looking for a miracle comeback from syndesmosis tightrope surgery if he can get on the NRL paddock before the end of finals.
Robinson gave a cryptic clue about the QLD Maroons star's fitness after only having surgery at the end of August, two weeks ago.
“Never say never,” the Roosters coach added with a smile as he and skipper James Tedesco exited the press conference.
Meanwhile, Salesi Foketi played 53 minutes after having the flu, with Robinson revealing the Tongan rising talent's disrupted build-up to the Panthers clash.
The game plan was thrown out the window when Foketi was forced into the match after a failed HIA to Egan Butcher, playing more minutes than anticipated.
“I didn't see him until lunchtime today. He had the flu all week,” Robinson admitted.
“There was a good chance he wasn't going to play.”
The Roosters now turn their attention towards the Cronulla Sharks, who made light work of North Queensland on Saturday to progress to Week 2 of the finals.
They will host the Shire-based outfit at Moore Park on Saturday night.
