Their chairman might have fought for competition points to be scrapped but the Sydney Roosters insist they have all the time they need to secure an NRL three-peat.
The Roosters' quest for a third-straight title ramped up on Wednesday after the squad gathered for its first training session since the coronavirus shutdown.
The defending premiers will resume the revamped 20-round season with an 0-2 record.
Last month, club chair Nick Politis demanded points earned prior to the league suspension should be wiped because of the change in format.
Co-captain Jake Friend described the comments from Politis as "common sense" but welcomed the challenge of giving rivals a head start.
"Obviously it makes it tougher than teams that have won two," Friend said during a conference call on Wednesday.
"Nick said his piece about that.
"I can't go too far into it but I think it's common sense, what he said.
"We're aware that it's a tougher road for us.
"But I'm sure (coach Trent Robinson is) going to have a plan and I'm sure our boys are going to go after it.
"It is what it is, that's what's been decided."
Veteran second-rower Mitchell Aubusson said there is a long way to go in the competition but conceded more urgency was required come May 28.
"From my point of view, it's gone from a marathon to a half-marathon, or three-quarter," he said.
"We'll make sure put our best foot forward, go after the start of the season and lock in for the rest of the year."
The Roosters will be boosted by the return of co-captain Boyd Cordner, who missed the opening fortnight of the season due to load management.
Veteran centre Josh Morris, who switched from the Cronulla prior to the shutdown, will add some experience and punch in the backline.
"He's shown a few videos on our Whatsapp (chats) about how hard he's been training. That's impressive to see," Aubusson said.
"He's a strong guy and hungry to perform for us."
from WWOS http://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/roosters-gear-up-for-nrl-resumption/42b78e51-686f-4786-98b8-24dca859fa77
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