Tupou, Jennings getting stronger: Mini

Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello says the backline combination between Daniel Tupou and Michael Jennings will be even stronger after their NSW debut.

Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello says NSW's epic win in Origin I on Wednesday will further strengthen the tricolours' vital left side combination between Daniel Tupou and Michael Jennings.

Tupou was impressive in his State of Origin debut, showing great poise under pressure, while Jennings' defence was again a highlight as the Blues repelled wave after wave of Queensland attacking raids in the dying minutes to secure a historic victory.

The three-quarter pairing were key figures in the Roosters premiership win last season, combining for 34 tries.

Minichiello says their understanding will only benefit from their Origin experience ahead of the Roosters round 12 NRL match against Canberra at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

"Tupou was exciting, it was great for him to get his debut and hopefully that combination will get stronger," the 11-time NSW representative said.

"When you play a game like that and play well you come back with a lot of confidence.

"They didn't pull up too bad, there are obviously some bumps and bruises after a tough game like that but they should be good to go."

Jennings and Tupou are set to back up against the Raiders, as is the Roosters' sole Queensland representative Aidan Guerra, with the premiers eyeing a return to the top four if they can secure victory over the Green Machine.

Maroons back-rower Josh Papalii will return for the visitors.

Canberra put a vastly understrength North Queensland to the sword last week, 42-12, while in a brutal forward battle the Roosters accounted for Canterbury 32-12, who were minus four Origin players including halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.

After NSW's win Hodkinson and Reynolds are certain to hold their spots for Game II on June 18 in Sydney.

Minichiello said the Bulldogs pair's Blues predecessors Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney were just concentrating on their NRL form.

"They were pretty clear after selection last week and they are working hard on their own games.

"They took control of the game last week, they were two of our better players.

"They are focused on playing well for the Roosters so it will be good for us."


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Source: AAP


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