The Sydney Roosters' NRL season isn't at do-or-die stakes yet but coach Trent Robinson has declared his side must adopt a sudden-death mentality.
The Roosters received a big boost heading into Friday's preliminary final against Brisbane with winger Daniel Tupou cleared to return from a groin strain.
The winner of the blockbuster Allianz Stadium clash will proceed through to week three of the finals, while the loser will receive a second bite at the cherry.
However Robinson laid down the law to his side, saying losing in week one of the finals was a potential death sentence for their premiership hopes.
In 2014 and 2015, the Roosters finished minor premiers but were forced into a sudden death playoff after losing to Penrith and Melbourne respectively.
Having been burnt by experience, Robinson wants his side fired up and ready to move to within one game of the grand final.
"Week one, you've got to step up," Robinson said.
"Two of the games are sudden death but the other two games are pretty important.
"You've got to get ready to play. You can't get going as the finals go on. You've got to start from week one.
"They're tough games, they're physical games and the team that can handle it best can get through to that third week. The attitude is on and we've got to make sure we're at our best."
Robinson confirmed Tupou would take the field after missing the past four rounds with a groin strain. Dylan Napa and Aidan Guerra will return after being rested last week.
Brisbane will be without fullback Darius Boyd (hamstring) with diminutive half Kodi Nikorima to fill in at No.1.
Robinson hinted the Roosters were set to bomb Nikorima and test him out under the high ball.
Question marks abound about the Roosters after looking below par in the run into the finals, particularly in their narrow win over lowly Gold Coast in round 26.
However they have been beaten just twice since the end of the State of Origin period.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said they were a side who fired when the whips were cracking.
"I wouldn't take too much out of that," Bennett said of the Roosters' 20-16 victory last week over the Titans.
"They have been a good team the last five years; they have won three minor premierships.
"They had a bit of a bad year last year because of what happened in their off-season but they have been up there all year again this year - they are a quality team.
"We play good footy against them and they do against us. It is a good rivalry there."
STATS THAT MATTER:
* Since winning the 2013 grand final, the Roosters have won two of six finals games
* After finishing second last in 2016, the Roosters are up against it. Only two teams since 1998 have finished outside the top eight and then won the premiership the following year - the Wests Tigers in 2005 and Roosters in 2014
* The Broncos are out to buck history by becoming the first side to concede 50-plus points in a match and win the title
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