“I’ll be at home watching the game with the kids and screaming at the TV like we do every week.”

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Brett, who debuted in 2006, was forced into retirement because of a knee injury midway through the year and has since accepted a three-year coaching role with the Bondi club. Josh, a debutant in the opening round of 2007, also announced last month this season would be his last.

Steve sat down at the start of the year and planned to attend the final month of regular games to see Brett and Josh in the flesh, and feared Josh’s time would end last week when the Gold Coast looked ready to spring an upset.

“I was sitting there last week thinking, ‘this is going to be it’,” Steve said.

“Rugby league has been a big part of my life and their lives. I’ll be shedding a tear by myself with nobody watching should the Roosters lose.

“I’ve watched nearly every game since the boys have started. I’ve only missed a few. I’ll be cheering hard for Josh.”

It was not lost on Brett that Manly was coached by Des Hasler, the man who worked with the twins at Canterbury, and was even singled out for praise by Josh during his retirement announcement.

“Josh and Des have a long friendship, Josh played some really good footy under Des and enjoyed his time under him, but that friendship will be tested on Friday night,” Brett said.

Brett said there was no way you would see an injury toll like the Roosters had endured “for a long, long time” and praised his teammates for continuing to aim up against the odds.

Hindmarsh, Andrew Ettingshausen, Geoff Gerard, Simon Mannering, John Morris and Morris, potentially, are the only members of the 300-club to not be part of a premiership-winning team.

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