Baby first, footy second for Keary

There is no 'Plan B' as yet if Luke Keary's baby arrives during NRL finals time.

Keary's wife Amy is due in three weeks, and the Roosters are definitely playing in September.

The 27-year-old five-eighth has cemented his place as one of the vital components of the red, white and blue machine. From the 18 games he has played in 2019, he has 19 try assists.

But there's no way he's missing the arrival of his baby boy.

"I think you're there for the birth of your first child," Keary said on Monday, adding he hadn't had any discussions with coach Trent Robinson about a contingency plan if a match needs to be missed.

"Not really. [Robinson] will be all right. I have spoken to the boys about it, but the time has gone so quick.

"[Amy] is very savvy about it all and just fills me in on the run.

"Obviously not having the travel is a bit of a blessing at this time of year. But we're just very excited."

The Roosters host the Panthers at the SCG on Saturday and then face the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium in round 25 before the finals begin on September 13.

The Roosters are close to finally having their preferred starting spine running out together again for only the third time this season. Jake Friend is recovering from a fractured forearm and is expected to face South Sydney.

"Just one game – round one. I'm not too up with where Jake is at with his rehab but I know he's close," Keary said.

The spine of fullback James Tedesco, halfback Cooper Cronk, five-eighth Keary and hooker Friend has actually started two games together – round one and round 17 – but that's been it.

Cronk missed games early in the year with a hamstring strain, Keary had a month out after two concussions, and Friend has managed to play only five games with a torn biceps and then the crack in his arm.

This Saturday Keary faces Panthers No.6  James Maloney, who was called into the NSW Origin side once Keary's head knocks ruled him out and is heading to Super League club Catalans at season's end.

"He's been great. I love watching Jimmy – he's a real character in our game. What he's done for NSW shows what a special player he is," Keary said.

"They love him around here [Roosters HQ] too. He's been at a thousand clubs so it's sad to see him leave.

"Being in the same position as me I watch him a lot and how he goes about things. He does things a little differently to Cooper.

"Jimmy is just a knock-about fellow who loves his footy. He's not an athlete, he's just a football player ... nothing too much bothers him. I think that's a great trait and I admire him for it."

Cronk is retiring so Keary's time with him is rapidly shortening as well.

"You don't really think about it too much. It's been great to have him for two years. Hopefully he sticks around next year [on staff] and does something," Keary said of his halves partner.

"It's been special to have him but I haven't thought about last games or anything like that. I think I've sucked everything out of him I can.

"I said to him the other day 'I'm going to rinse you dry before the end of the year'. It's been unbelievable playing with him.

"He's taught  me temperament, not just as a footy player but as a person too. The amount of respect he gets means he has full control over the team and how people behave, how people act, how people play," Keary said.

"You can see the influence he's had on us – the last two years speak for themselves."

That would be a premiership and the very real possibility of history repeating itself.

NRL Ladder Predictor: Who makes the top eight?