Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner admits this year's NRL finals return is driven by a September heartache stretching almost over three seasons.
The Roosters will be 80 minutes away from a grand final qualifier when they host Brisbane at Allianz Stadium in the finals series opener on Friday.
It's a remarkable turnaround from their horror campaign last year but Cordner says their motivation stretches beyond that.
The Roosters were widely praised for claiming three straight minor premierships in 2013-15, the first of which led to their breakthrough premiership.
However, Cordner says the pain of qualifying final loss the following years has long been a sore point, even though they recovered to make it through to the third week on both occasions.
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In 2014, it was a heartbreaking one-point loss to Penrith defeat to Melbourne, then Melbourne pipped them by two the following year - both in Moore Park.
Last year, Trent Robinson's side plummeted to second-last spot.
"That hurt for the boys that were here in 2014 and 2015. I think that's a massive motivator," Cordner said on Wednesday.
"Obviously the way we finished last year, I think we're holding on to that to push us through. That's been motivating us throughout most of the year and it's got to burn deep now.
"In 2014 and 2015, we've been minor premiers and losing that first semi, obviously that hurts a lot. We'll be doing our best not to feel like that again."
The Roosters will again have home-ground advantage against a depleted Broncos side after toppling a stubborn Gold Coast outfit in the final game of the regular season.
A loss would have meant a trip to Suncorp Stadium, where they lost 32-8 in April.
Winger Daniel Tupou is firming for a return after being named on an extended bench on Tuesday and will likely take Joseph Manu's spot on the left wing.
He hasn't played since injuring his groin in round 22.
"He's going really well. He's been doing a lot of running. I don't know if he's 100 per cent but he's been looking pretty good at training," Cordner said.
