Sydney Roosters are facing an NRL injury crisis at dummy-half but James Tedesco has backed the mentality of the squad to combat the unusual shortage of available hookers.
Saturday's 26-18 win over Cronulla came at a cost for the Roosters with Freddy Lussick suffering a fractured arm that could require surgery.
His replacement Ben Marshcke is facing two weeks on the sidelines for a crusher tackle on Sharks winger Mawene Hiroti, which would strip another hooker from the Roosters' list of available players.
The Roosters are set to challenge the grade one charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night in a desperate bid to have Marshcke available to play Melbourne on Friday.
An early guilty plea would have ruled Marschke out for just one week, but the club will risk a fortnight to test the case in front of the panel.
It comes just days after Roosters skipper Jake Friend announced his retirement from the NRL, while other No.9 options Adam Keighran, Lachlan Lam and Sam Verrills are all injured.
Drew Hutchison would usually be an option but is already filling in for the injured Luke Keary in the halves, while Victor Radley has previously played dummy-half but is now considered a lock - crucial to the Roosters' forward pack.
"We're in some strife but that's footy I guess," Tedesco said on Monday.
"We've got some injuries to key players but anyone who steps up into our team does a great job.
"That's how we train, everyone is at a high quality and ready to step up if needed."
It's a claim teenage halfback Sam Walker is proving after just two NRL games.
The 18-year-old rookie starred in the Roosters' comeback win against the Sharks but will need to go to another level against the Storm.
"He's been doing it at training for a year now," Tedesco said.
"He just backs himself and it's so good to see.
"You couldn't tell that he's only 18 and played two first grade games.
"(Melbourne) will be our biggest test yet, they're a top two or top four side and they're always tough.
"We've got a lot of leaders out but we're going to have to step up.
"Souths was a challenge for us and we didn't step up so we can learn a lot from that."
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