Forget Cooper Cronk's shoulder, it's up to the Sydney Roosters forwards to smash and niggle their way under the Melbourne Storm's skins.
While two-time NRL grand final winner Brett White says Cronk has the most important joint in rugby league, he's called on Dylan Napa and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to put the reigning premiers off their game with a "hit-first mentality".
White, who played in the Storm's grand final victories in 2007 and 2009, felt their aggressive pack could be the Roosters' key for victory in the decider at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Dylan Napa’s aggression are keys for the Sydney Roosters.
That means Napa, who's only just returned from a three-game ban for a tackle that went horribly wrong, and Waerea-Hargreaves leading the charge.
It's a blueprint that Cronulla's successfully used against the Storm in recent years, including their 2016 premiership win.
"The Roosters have got to rely on those big guys to rattle them and upset them and get under their skin," White said.
"Cronulla showed the last couple of years the way to beat the Melbourne Storm is that niggle and get under their skin and try and get them off their game.
"I've seen that work against Melbourne. It's not something the Roosters have done in the past, but they have the ability to do it and I think they've got to use that ability.
"Whether it's a Napa or a Hargreaves to get under their skins and coming out of the line and putting a big shot on and try and disrupt the way they play."
White still felt Cronk's shoulder would play a huge role in the Roosters causing an upset and stopping the Storm from going back-to-back.
The Canberra Raiders assistant coach said Cronk would put the team first and make the tough call if necessary, but would also give himself every opportunity to be fit for the decider.
The star halfback didn't take part in the Roosters' captain's run on Saturday, but underwent a fitness test behind closed doors.
"A lot hinges around Cooper Cronk. The Roosters are a chance with him. I just think it's a really big ask without him," White said.
"He's such a crucial part of the side. I played a long time with him and I know how he operates in regards to getting a team around and I think that's a massive void just directionally for the Roosters.
"I think they have to have him out there. Not purely for what he does, but the direction he gives the Roosters. I think so much hinges on that one shoulder."
If those Waerea-Hargreaves led forwards can do their job, then Roosters premiership winger Brett Mullins said his old team's strike out wide would be key.
The likes of boom centre Latrell Mitchell would come to the fore.
"I think their strike power out in the backs, with their two centres. They're young and they're great players. If they get some early ball … they can do some damage," Mullins said.
Raiders triple-premiership-star Mal Meninga said the Roosters could win without Cronk – if they brought the same defensive attitude that's been a trademark of their season.
"I think they can. Cooper's game management, his kicking game is exceptional, but on the back of a desire and want and strong forward play they can get away with it and they'll believe that as well," he said.
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