Conceding 89 points in the last two weeks is the "biggest concerning factor" for the Roosters heading into their grand final rematch with the Raiders on Friday night, says Billy Slater.
The Tricolours were one of the best defensive teams all season despite a host of injuries but a 60-point blow out against arch-rivals the Rabbitohs in Round 20 saw their points against column balloon to 322, which ranked fifth.
While their start against Penrith last week was a lot better, Trent Robinson's men succumbed to the same deficiencies that dogged them against Souths. When they conceded points they did so at an alarming rate.
Yet in their last clash with the Raiders in Round 17, the Roosters were a different side mentally, with the game dominated by massive defensive sets and one-on-one try-saving tackles as James Tedesco bagged a double in a gritty 18-6 win in the nation's capital.
The Roosters welcome back experienced stars Sonny Bill Williams and Jake Friend for the elimination final but, according to Slater, the side's chances will ultimately hinge on the combination between Tedesco and Luke Keary.
Tedesco and Keary will face off against a Raiders combination that's firing thanks to the hot form of Jack Wighton and George Williams as Ricky Stuart's side plots revenge for last year's decider.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Billy's Breakdown, the former Maroons fullback said the way the Raiders' halves run the ball could worry the Roosters, along with Wighton's ability in the air.
The 2019 premiers will need Keary and Tedesco to put pressure on either side of the ruck in attack to capitalise on the yardage up the middle.
"Luke Keary and James Tedesco have a great football sense and are the number one combination in the game. They understand what each other are doing," Slater said.
"They're anticipation is second to none. They sense something is going to happen and they're on the front foot."
Slater said Tedesco's game had grown exponentially over the last few years, adding that he deserved credit for building another layer to his play.
"James is such a great ball-runner. He's developed a passing game but I think the biggest evolution of his game is his ability to build combinations with his teammates and he's done that with Luke Keary better than any other player," Slater said.
"If they can hold the ball and defend well they're going to get opportunities through that centre third of the field."
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-news-luke-keary-james-tedesco-combination-key-roosters-billy-slater/6f9af56b-a432-4fcb-8592-101923ab4856
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