The Roosters have vowed to bite their tongues ahead of tonight's grudge match against the Rabbitohs, and Briath Anasta has already lived up to his promise.
The star five-eighth was baited with inflammatory comments made by Souths hooker Issac Luke, who claims the Rabbitohs will do anything necessary to protect Craig Wing should the Roosters target him again.
Wing was sidelined for the first three months of the season after dislocating his shoulder against the Roosters in round one when he was hit by the notorious 'prowler' tackle of hooker Riley Brown.
The key injury sent the Rabbitohs' season into a nose dive, and Luke insists it won't be happening again.
But Anasta was keen to hose down the trash talk.
"I don't know what he's talking about – all we're talking about is football," Anasta told Sportal.
"He was disappointed he (Wing) was out for most of the season - I feel for him - but he's been playing some good footy the last couple of weeks."
"He's a great player and he'll want nothing better than playing his best game against his old club."
"We're waiting for a big game from him."
With the finals out of reach, the Rabbitohs are playing for nothing but pride - but Anasta knows pride can be a powerful motivator.
"Souths are very passionate. They love playing the Roosters and they'll be fired up."
"Their season is over but they will want to win this more than anything."
Prop Mark O'Meley is expecting fireworks but knows discipline and patience will be the key.
"It will be a frantic game. We've trained to be patient and to be tolerant to what they throw at us," he said.
"A lot of their supporters probably think that with Craig getting injured earlier in the year, it slowed up their progress for the season."
"But they've had some great wins the last five weeks."
"They'll want some redemption from round one and get a win (against the Roosters) and finish the season happy with themselves."
