The Sydney Roosters have been dealt a huge blow before Friday night's finals clash with the Penrith Panthers, with marquee signing Sonny Bill Williams set to miss with a neck complaint.

The Roosters will also be without Jake Friend, who was unable to get up for the game in time following a concussion.

In Williams' absence, Nat Butcher will take his place in the squad.

โ€œSonny Bill Williams has been ruled out for the Roosters this weekend due to the flare up of a neck complaint. There was some increased injury concern considering SBWโ€™s lack of game play in recent months. Neck not the most common location for acclimation injury though,โ€ NRL Physio tweeted.

Williams has appeared in four games for the Roosters since his late season return.