A defiant James Tedesco has fired back at critics of the Sydney Roosters' title chances, saying he is "sick and tired" of being asked about the impact of the club's injuries.
The Roosters must become just the fifth team this century to win the premiership following a loss in the first week of the finals, after being outplayed by Penrith on Friday.
The Tri-colours welcome Jared Waerea-Hargreaves back from suspension in Saturday's semi-final against Manly, but are still missing several key men.
Chief among them are halfback Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith, while Victor Radley is still battling to return from a fractured scapula.
The trio's injuries against Canberra a fortnight ago prompted several critics to write off the Roosters, who have been among the competition favourites all year.
The Roosters have also had to answer questions whether their title window was closing, as well as their 1-19 record against Melbourne and Penrith since 2020.
Asked if the opportunity to send the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary and Joey Manu out winners had been hurt by injuries, Tedesco responded: "No."
Then asked what he had to say to people who suggested the Roosters' title chances had taken a hit, Tedesco was defiant.
"You guys aren't in our four walls," Tedesco told reporters.
"Honestly, I am sick and tired of hearing about it from you guys. It's all you talk about.
"Every time I do media, you talk about it."
The Roosters captain admitted his side's goal-line defence and handling had been poor in the 30-10 loss to Penrith, but was adamant the issues were not terminal.
"It wasn't easy on the weekend, but top four gives us a second chance," Tedesco said.
"It's a bit of a setback for us on the weekend, but it's not the end of the trail for sure."
Tedesco's comments came as Keary rushed to the defence of his halves partner Sandon Smith, after his first finals match following Walker's injury.
Matt Johns has been among those to call for Joey Manu to move into the halves alongside Keary, believing it would allow the rugby-bound star to impose himself on the game more.
"I get it. There is always going to be talk, and we have guys in here who can play different spots," Keary said.
"But inside the building, the trust in him, we have seen what he can do.
"He really suits the structure. We have attacked really well this year.
"He gives us a chance to play the style we practised since October last year, with the type of players Sam and I are as smaller ball playing halves.
"We didn't have to blow up the whole system and figure out a different one, which is what we would have to do with a Manu or another fullback."
Keary said the loss to Penrith could not be put on Smith's shoulders, or Connor Watson's as fill-in hooker.
"To put the team under pressure with errors, penalties, six agains. You do that against any team in the NRL and you are in trouble," Keary said.
"You do it against Penrith and it is a death sentence.
"We can talk about different combinations across the field. But as a team we need to give these guys that are coming in a chance."
