Jake Friend May not come back?

[Bahrain Rooster]

I like the fact that Robbo gives Verrills a breather, he’s still very young and playing 80 week in week out could burn him out by finals time.

[Tommy Smith]

Verrills had the bad cork a couple of weeks back vs Canberra. That's likely the primary reason for Robbo carefully managing his minutes.

If Friend is indeed gone for the year then Sam just became incredibly important to our Premiership hopes so it makes sense for Robbo to go easy on him after the bad cork.

[Johnny Tobin]

I'm not buying the Joey Johns mail just yet. Still expect Jake back for the finals.

Yep. Nobody else has mentioned it.

Robbo did say that Jake wouldn't be back this week so that wasn't the best sign.

[zac]

Yep. Nobody else has mentioned it.

Robbo did say that Jake wouldn't be back this week so that wasn't the best sign.

The last interview Jake gave (not that long ago) he said he was pushing to come back not before the last round anyway.

Even if Dr Andrew Johns is right, not sure any infection would affect the bone's healing. Hopefully they can treat both problems at the same time.

[The Brain]

I like the fact that Robbo gives Verrills a breather, he’s still very young and playing 80 week in week out could burn him out by finals time.

Preserving him.. He is the only hooker we have left...lol

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Reports now saying Easts acknowledge Jake did pick up an infection from the latest procedure but shouldn't set him back any further. Round 25 or first final return expected.

[The Lip]

I have not made my mind up as to starting Verills and give 15 min break or start with Victor and give Verills a straight 60 mins....

Trent is that you....

[Arties Pie]

If he's not coming back until the finals we may have to put Verrills on the bench to cover if he re-injures it again, Radley isn't a DH.

["gaz"]

Keary said Jake is close and likely available for round 25 today

["gaz"]

Now Robbo says he definitely wont play in round 25

[Chook089]

If friend doesn’t play we can’t win the comp..verriles has been good but with the expction of Canberra he hasn’t played against a testing opposition.

[117]

If friend doesn’t play we can’t win the comp..verriles has been good but with the expction of Canberra he hasn’t played against a testing opposition.

He debuted against the storm in round 6. From memory he put great kick pressure on Croft to miss a field goal in crunch time.

[The Lip]

If friend doesn’t play we can’t win the comp

Rubbish

[fletch]

NRL.com is claiming Round 2 of the finals is the earliest Friend will return now, hopefully we won't be playing that week.

If that is accurate Jake's next game could be a prelim final.

[rented tracksuit]

Just wanted to ask how Jake is going today in the 'Mad Rabid Roosters' sort of way!