'We need to perform'
It's a simple and blunt message from Adam O'Brien this week ahead of our huge clash with the Canberra Raiders this Saturday.
After back-to-back defeats, the team is eager to recapture the winning formula and, for the Coach and the playing group, it needs to happen this weekend in Wagga Wagga.
"Everyone needs to step up," O'Brien said.
"We need to make sure we have 17 guys contributing for 80 minutes or 90 minutes if that's what it takes.
"I've been happy with the preparation, but I've also been happy with the preparation in the past."
Halfback Blake Green has been ruled out for this weekend's clash with a rib injury, giving the chance to 20-year-old Phoenix Crossland to line-up in the playmaking role.
Having come through the junior ranks, Crossland has impressed many and earned his debut as an 18-year old back in 2019.
Phoenix has played eight NRL games since and will now wear the No.7 for the first time in the top grade.
Coach O'Brien spoke about the young half's strengths.
"The thing I do like about Phoenix is his physical contact, he's quite aggressive in that area," O'Brien said.
"He's got a good kicking game (as well).
"It's a really simple game plan for Phoenix, we're not expecting him to be the knight in shining armour."
The Head Coach also provided an update on some players returning from injury.
Fitzgibbon: 'There's no excuses'
Lachlan Fitzgibbon has been named on the extended bench and featured in his first appearance of the season last weekend in the NSW Cup fixture.
Winger Hymel Hunt was named in the starting team, however has suffered a setback.
"(Hymel) has pulled up sore, we're not willing to risk (him)," O'Brien said.
"We will go down with (Brayden) Musgrove and Starford (To'a).
"I was quite happy with Fitz last week with his input into the NSW Cup game.
"All things going well and he trains well, then he will be in calculations for selection."
