Roosters tell stars to rest
By Ray Chesterton
08jan05
ROOSTERS coach Ricky Stuart has given his star players who were involved in the Tri-Nations last year unlimited time off to recover - even if it means missing the opening premiership round.
Stuart has told Kangaroos Craig Wing, Anthony Minichiello, Michael Crocker and Craig Fitzgibbon to take as much time off as they want.
Two Roosters who played with other countries during the tournament, Adrian Morley (England) and Jason Cayless (NZ), have been given the same concession.
Stuart said it would not matter if the players missed the Roosters' two trial matches and even the opening premiership rounds.
He said it was more important the players were certain in their own minds that they wanted to come back to football and did not feel intimidated into returning.
While it is possible the Roosters could be missing all six players for the opening round of the 2005 premiership against Parramatta, it would be extraordinary.
"The boys from the Kangaroos can come [to training] when they are ready," Stuart said after the Roosters finished their first workout of the new year at Wentworth Park yesterday morning.
"Then there are no excuses for them not coming back mentally fresh.
"I don't want them to come back having to play football.
"I want them back wanting to play football."
Stuart said his tolerance would extend into the premiership if necessary.
He said he simply believed players were the best judges of when they should resume training.
