As people watched on in awe of Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Blake Ferguson's budding combination in the Roosters' 26-point victory over the Bulldogs last Friday night, teammates Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou were wondering what could've been.
Ferguson and Kenny-Dowall have built quite the on-field repertoire between them this season and their time in possession late in the tackle count recently has shifted in their favour.
Tupou and Jennings are superstars in their own right, and while jealously is a strong word it may be one that applies in this situation – sort of, anyway.
"I don't think that. But I think 'Jenko' might. He gets filthy and makes sure him and I step up our game," Tupou told NRL.com.
"It makes training interesting when we go head-to-head during the week at training. We like to battle against one another until we run out against the actual opposition on the weekend.
"We give it to our halves and tell them to equal it up and give us more ball or as much as they give the right side."
This isn't a nascent scandal bubbling behind the scenes though, as Tupou clarifies he's happy the club remains successful – something he's grown accustomed to since his debut back in 2012.
"It's all in good fun, and Blake and Shaun are an awesome combination on the right edge so they're doing a massive job for us. Shaun was looking good against the Bulldogs and we're just happy he's back to playing good footy," Tupou said.
"We argue about it each week but we're all happy that we're scoring tries no matter who it is."
With NRL.com offering him a right of reply, Jennings laughed off Tupou's claims that he gets riled up when the ball doesn't come their way.
"I'd rather see more come to the left and help our side out but whatever's best for the team and whatever's the best option I'm all down for it," Jennings told NRL.com.
"There's always different ways of getting involved. You've got to put yourself in the right positions to get those opportunities.
"We'll look at it this week and hopefully we'll get some more quality ball."
On facing the Broncos, Tupou went on to add he is as wary of Justin Hodges and his ability to put Jordan Kahu into space as he is facing the boisterous Suncorp Stadium crowd.
"We try to find that balance but it comes down to who we are targeting depending on the opposition. Jordan Kahu though is an awesome player and I love watching him play so it'll be another big test for me," Tupou said.
"With Justin Hodges inside him too, he has got me a few times with the way he plays, so I'll be doing my best to stop those guys.
"To me it'll be like another Origin match-up, I can't wait for the crowd just to give it to us... no I'm not, but it'll be a similar reaction as to when I've played for New South Wales.
"I cop it from the fans on the sideline, you might not notice it but we do hear a lot from the crowd and it's not nice. You just have to get over it though and concentrate on the footy."
