Trent Robinson has praised Jake Friend as the ultimate team man as the Sydney Roosters rake gets set to push his State of Origin claims against rival Ben Hunt.
The Roosters No.9 will make a timely return from a shoulder injury in their NRL blockbuster against St George Illawarra on Thursday.
While Friend won't face off directly against Dragons No.7 Hunt, they are considered the two most likely contenders for the Queensland dummy-half role this year.
And they'll meet on biggest stage of the regular season, the traditional Anzac Day clash at the SCG, with Maroons coach Kevin Walters sure to be an interested onlooker.
With incumbent Maroons hooker Andrew McCullough struggling in an underperforming Brisbane side, the door is ajar for Friend to make his Origin debut in 2019.
"It's hard to explain," Roosters coach Robinson said of the workhorse No.9's influence on the defending premiers.
"You have to watch close up of the details that he does in the game and watch the work that he does around the other guys.
"He does his job. And he's the No.1 guy in our team that looks to do other people's job if they need a hand. That's the ultimate teammate."
Despite making his Test debut in 2016, 29-year-old Noosa product Friend has never been able to break into Queensland side.
He was considered a contender following Cameron Smith's representative retirement last year but was overlooked for McCullough.
Robinson said Friend never kicked stones after that setback as he went on to lead the club to a grand final win.
"I think Jake's emotional expression is very similar to mine. He's very expressive," Robinson said with a wry smile.
"Jake gets on with the job."
Friend is one of several big ins for the Roosters with Jospeh Manu (suspension) and in-form prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho (back) also back.
Their returns are offset by the absence of five-eighth Luke Keary due to a concussion.
With Friend's return, Victor Radley will move back to lock.
"They beat some quality opposition in recent weeks with Victor at nine but Jake is a leader," Dragons coach Paul McGregor said.
STATS THAT MATTER
* This is the 18th straight season that the two teams have met on Anzac Day with the Dragons winning 11 of the previous 17, including eight of the past 11.
* A win in this match would see the Roosters have their best start to a season since 1999 when they also won six of their opening seven games.
* Trent Robinson is currently tied with Arthur Halloway on 105 wins. A win in this match would give him the most wins of any Roosters coach.
Australian Associated Press
