Losing troops so close to finals no concern for Roosters

Six rounds out from the NRL finals is not ideal to lose both team captains, a hooker, a goal-kicking prop, and an international winger but the Sydney Roosters will keep defying the odds.

Sio Taukeiaho (calf) and Boyd Cordner (calf) are unlikely to face the Titans on Sunday at the SCG and England's Ryan Hall is definitely gone for up to three weeks with a kneecap injury.

Further scans have been ordered for Taukeiaho and Cordner later in the week to check on their progress with "minor calf strains". But the Roosters won't be rushing the pair back.

As players stretched in the sun and dipped sore limbs in the cold ocean water of Clovelly beach on Monday, they spoke of how the above three outs on top of hooker and co-captain Jake Friend (forearm) were not a distraction.

"Earlier in the year we had a few players out and the younger guys came in and performed," said lock Isaac Liu, who returned from concussion last weekend in the 20-12 win over the Bulldogs.

"It's just getting them back into the side again. They've had a taste of it and know what it's all about.

"It's football and you get used to some changes in your side."

Players like forwards Poasa Faamausili (nine games), Sitili Tupounius (12), Lindsay Collins (nine) and back Matt Ikuvalu (10) have been helping plug the holes as the cracks appear.

Even losing play maker Luke Keary for a month due to concussion didn't affect the Roosters' flow. They sit in third spot on the NRL ladder with 12 wins.

"We're definitely not broken. We've got 30 players that we train with every day – I know you don't see them in the NRL – but we've spent since November with those players," said Victor Radley, who has filled in for Friend 12 times at No.9 after shifting from his preferred spot at lock.

"So they're a massive part of our side. And when they come into the team, it doesn't feel like you haven't played with them before because you've been training with them so long.

"We'll be sweet. Someone might make their debut and others will get more minutes."

And then there is Canterbury Cup hooker Sam Verrills. He has played five NRL games for the Roosters this year – but none like last Sunday against the Dogs.

He played for 80 minutes and made 50 tackles, missing just two, as he topped the Roosters' defensive list.

"Eighty minutes is a mighty effort. I'm really proud of him and everyone went and shook his hand after the game," Radley said.

"It's tough in the middle and his service was immaculate. In defence, he made 50 tackles and I don't remember him missing a beat there.

"Robbo [coach Trent Robinson] leaving him on there showed how much trust in him he has. I love defending next to him.

"You'll see more of his attack as he plays more games."

And if Verrills' performances allow Radley to remain at lock, he's not fussed.

"If I do or I don't, it doesn't matter," he said.

Liu also likes the confidence Verrills performances are bringing.

"He's a good young player. The thing I like about him is that he delivers the ball well and that's what players around him need – good service," Liu said.

"He has a good tackling style and pretty effective – take a look at what he did on the weekend."