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Anthony Minichiello to play for Sydney Roosters against South Sydney
By Brent Read
July 21, 2009 It's not all doom and gloom at Sydney Roosters as Anthony Minichiello gave coach Brad Fittler something to smile about by declaring he is ready to return from injury against South Sydney on Monday night.
Minichiello, among the world's best players before being curbed by a succession of injuries, hasn't played since receiving a major ankle injury in round two against Canberra.
However, he started running four weeks ago and is expected to be named at fullback for the clash with the Roosters' arch rivals at ANZ Stadium.
His return is the perfect tonic for a club struggling to climb off the foot of the ladder. It is also a fillip for Fittler, who was told on the weekend he would be replaced by Newcastle coach Brian Smith at the end of the season.
"It's feeling really good actually," Minichiello said.
"It's been 17, 18 weeks. I wanted to come back in 16 weeks, but the fracture slowed me down a bit. I just want to get out there and get the ball in my hands, have a couple of runs and get that timing.
"I want to get back into the team environment and help the club out by getting off the bottom of the ladder."
Despite losing eight of their past nine games, the Roosters are only one win behind Cronulla. Their poor points differential, however, means they will need to win two more games than the Sharks over the closing seven weeks of the season to avoid the wooden spoon.
"None of us want the wooden spoon," Minichiello said.
"I haven't received one in my career and I don't want one."
Minichiello is also close to extending his contract with the club for a further season and hasn't ruled out remaining long-term.
The former New South Wales and Australia fullback's latest deal is heavily laced with incentives, but Minichiello is only too happy to re-sign given the club has stood by him through his injury turmoil.
From 2006 to 2008, Minichiello played only 27 games due to a series of back problems. He appeared to have overcome those setbacks before being struck down by an ankle ligament injury which forced him to undergo surgery.
"I wasn't too worried about it," Minichiello said.
"I knew the Roosters were keen to do something. I suppose it's good to know because they have looked after me the last three or four years through injury.
"I just want to repay them and the fans with a bit of loyalty."
Captain Craig Fitzgibbon is also likely to play against the Rabbitohs despite fracturing his cheekbone against the Warriors on Sunday.
Meanwhile, NRL rookie David Tyrrell was one of eight players - most of whom were from the club's under 20s side - to re-sign with South Sydney on Monday.
Tyrrell made his NRL debut a fortnight ago in the club's victory against Penrith and scored a try in last weekend's win over Brisbane.
By Brent Read
July 21, 2009 It's not all doom and gloom at Sydney Roosters as Anthony Minichiello gave coach Brad Fittler something to smile about by declaring he is ready to return from injury against South Sydney on Monday night.
Minichiello, among the world's best players before being curbed by a succession of injuries, hasn't played since receiving a major ankle injury in round two against Canberra.
However, he started running four weeks ago and is expected to be named at fullback for the clash with the Roosters' arch rivals at ANZ Stadium.
His return is the perfect tonic for a club struggling to climb off the foot of the ladder. It is also a fillip for Fittler, who was told on the weekend he would be replaced by Newcastle coach Brian Smith at the end of the season.
"It's feeling really good actually," Minichiello said.
"It's been 17, 18 weeks. I wanted to come back in 16 weeks, but the fracture slowed me down a bit. I just want to get out there and get the ball in my hands, have a couple of runs and get that timing.
"I want to get back into the team environment and help the club out by getting off the bottom of the ladder."
Despite losing eight of their past nine games, the Roosters are only one win behind Cronulla. Their poor points differential, however, means they will need to win two more games than the Sharks over the closing seven weeks of the season to avoid the wooden spoon.
"None of us want the wooden spoon," Minichiello said.
"I haven't received one in my career and I don't want one."
Minichiello is also close to extending his contract with the club for a further season and hasn't ruled out remaining long-term.
The former New South Wales and Australia fullback's latest deal is heavily laced with incentives, but Minichiello is only too happy to re-sign given the club has stood by him through his injury turmoil.
From 2006 to 2008, Minichiello played only 27 games due to a series of back problems. He appeared to have overcome those setbacks before being struck down by an ankle ligament injury which forced him to undergo surgery.
"I wasn't too worried about it," Minichiello said.
"I knew the Roosters were keen to do something. I suppose it's good to know because they have looked after me the last three or four years through injury.
"I just want to repay them and the fans with a bit of loyalty."
Captain Craig Fitzgibbon is also likely to play against the Rabbitohs despite fracturing his cheekbone against the Warriors on Sunday.
Meanwhile, NRL rookie David Tyrrell was one of eight players - most of whom were from the club's under 20s side - to re-sign with South Sydney on Monday.
Tyrrell made his NRL debut a fortnight ago in the club's victory against Penrith and scored a try in last weekend's win over Brisbane.
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