Roosters star Isabelle Kelly expects injured teammate Jess Sergis to be back for the NRLW finals as the side deals with an injury toll that could threaten their premiership hopes.
Sergis underwent surgery for a fractured finger this week after her hand was caught awkwardly upon landing when scoring a try in the side’s win over the Eels on the Central Coast.
It is hoped the NSW and Jillaroos centre can get back on the field in the coming weeks but leaves the side with a third of their top squad on the sidelines ahead of a top-of-the-table clash against Newcastle on Saturday.
“It’s really unfortunate… I don’t think it’s hit her yet,” Kelly said of Sergis.
“We’ve had an injury nearly every week but it just goes to show ‘Strangey’ (Roosters coach John Strange) recruited really well and the girls that have come and stepped into a role have done it well.
“She’s got to get around the girls and make sure they’re prepping really well. Hopefully we’re there in a few weeks and she’s back playing for us.”
The Roosters travel to Newcastle for a game that could determine the minor premiership with both team's level on competition points with two weeks left until the finals.
Supreme Sergis
A potential grand final clash never eventuated last year after the Roosters were bundled out of the semi-finals despite both sides finishing the regular season first and second respectively.
“They’ve got a great squad and strong players within that squad who we have either played with or against at the representative level,” Kelly said.
“I think it’s going to be a great showcase of women’s rugby league in general and hopefully people tune in and watch two teams who sit at the top of the table and play each other in not a finals game.
“It’s a bit bittersweet we weren’t there [in the grand final] last year but it’s exciting we get to play them again having only ever played them twice.”
The match will also mark the return of Millie Boyle to Newcastle after the former Knights captain departed the club for the Roosters on a five-year contract this season.
Boyle was squeezed out of the club with the Tricolours the major beneficiaries to secure her services.
“Millie doesn’t change no matter who we play,” Kelly said.
“She’s been good and everyone is making sure we all stay tight knit as a team and focus on us.
Millie Boyle Try
“We haven’t spoken that it’s her old team which is fine because she doesn’t think like that.
“She’s a professional in the way she prepares and has had a lot of big game moments so knows how to grab a game. She’s ready for the task and we all are.
I think we’re building nicely but have still got a few things to work on that I know internally we can be a lot better with. Hopefully we can peak at the right time.”
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com