Mixed emotions for Troy Rovelli

Troy Rovelli will have some differing emotions when he watches the National Rugby League (NRL) sudden-death semifinal in Auckland on Friday night.

As the Sydney Roosters' football manager, Rovelli is unambiguous about which team he wants to win at Mt Smart Stadium.

However, the opponents he hopes the Roosters will beat, the New Zealand Warriors, also has son Grant in their line-up.

Troy Rovelli said today that there was plenty of fatherly pride in having his son involved in the NRL finals series.

At the same time, there were no mixed loyalties on either side.

"He's a pro and he's doing a job, and I'm doing a job," he said.

"All we're trying to do is be professionals about it. He'll be wanting to win as much as me."

Grant Rovelli has been named on the bench, continuing his return to the first-grade squad in an up-and-down season that saw him dropped midway through and relinquish the starting halfback spot.

Troy Rovelli said he spoke to his son after the Warriors' 18-15 upset over Melbourne on Sunday to offer his congratulations.

The pair were in regular contact during the season, talking about life and family in general, such as the impending birth of Grant's first child in December.

However, football was a subject that did get brought up.

Troy Rovelli said he always watched tapes of Grant in action and agreed it had been tough year for his son.

"Early on, the team didn't perform well and, by his own admission, he wasn't going that well either," he said.

"But that's footy at the elite level. It's about consistency."

Before joining the Warriors at the start of 2006, Grant Rovelli spent three years in reserve grade with the Roosters, leading them to a Premier League title under present Warrior coach Ivan Cleary.

He was named the Warriors' Young Player of the Year in his debut NRL season and has made 67 appearances for the club.

Troy Rovelli had no doubt his son could re-establish himself as a first-grade starter.

"If he's given the opportunity again, he'll be fine."