Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco has declared he was ready to take part in the tri-colours final regular season game against arch rivals South Sydney, but coach Trent Robinson went in another direction.
Tedesco has played limited games in the past month and was "keen to play" in Round 27, but has instead been rested along with a number of other high-profile Roosters stars.
Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reece Robson, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Naufahu Whyte and Siua Wong will miss Friday night's occasion to rest for what is set to be a deep finals campaign for the club.
The skipper understood Robinson's game plan but has only played once since July and was expecting to get some game-time under his belt before a big September campaign.
“I was keen to play some footy. I have played one game over the past month, so I was keen to play,” he told Nine's Today on Wednesday morning.
“Robbo got around to most of us (on Monday) and told us that we were going to be resting. At this time of year, to be able to freshen up physically and mentally is really important.
“To get some extra rest for the ankle and the body is pretty important. I'm looking forward to getting to watch the young boys play on Friday night.”
It will be the first time the two foundation clubs face off after historic scenes of Alex Johnston surpassing the all-time try scoring record in Round 3.
Thousands of fans swarmed the field in unforeseen images in rugby league following Johnston pacing down the left touchline to cross for try number 213.
What shapes up as traditionally a blockbuster match will instead give young Roosters talent a chance to make their mark in the NRL, including Aston Warwick and Hayden Barton, who are named on the six-man bench for the tri-colours.
South Sydney have named a strong outfit, headlined by Latrell Mitchell getting his first start in the NRL at centre since Magic Round in May.
Despite fielding an inexperienced side, the Roosters have already locked up a top four finish for the season, thus securing home finals, and can rely on dropping a match if it means their superstars are given a refresh.
With South Sydney heavily favoured to win, Tedesco remains confident in the rookie Chooks to engineer an upset.
“We are not giving up. We have belief and confidence in them to go and get the win for us,” he said.
“Some of these boys have only played a handful of games - and it doesn't get any bigger than playing Souths. It is all about getting excited for the opportunity.
“I just want to encourage the boys to play their footy. It is a great opportunity for them to express themselves.
“Souths have a bit to play for, so I'm sure there will be a lot of emotion involved.”
The Roosters were in the box seat to claim the minor premiership, but a string of back-to-back losses saw the Warriors leapfrog them, thus leaving the men from Bondi in fourth place.
They have also been hurt by the loss of Sam Walker, who underwent surgery late last week for a syndesmosis injury, with the club not willing to rule him out for the rest of the year.
The Roosters will be hoping for Walker to return if they go deep into the finals in 2026.
