Since being appointed Sydney Roosters coach in 2013, Trent Robinson has guided the club to one of its most successful eras in what’s an already illustrious history.
Two NRL premierships, three minor premierships, two World Club Challenge titles and three trips to the preliminary final represent a magnificent haul of achievements for the 41-year-old.
Robinson is one of three current NRL coaches to have won two premierships alongside Manly’s Des Hasler and Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy with new South Sydney boss Wayne Bennett leading the pack with seven to his name.
However, Bennett is the last man to lead a side to the holy grail of back-to-back grand final successes when his powerful Brisbane side prevailed in 1992 and ’93.
But the Roosters, who are the bookies’ favourites to win retain their title, have a genuine chance of emulating the achievements of Bennett’s Broncos.
Blake Ferguson, Dylan Napa and Ryan Matterson are the only departures from the 17-man squad that beat the Storm in the grand final in what remains a star-studded roster.
It’s one Robinson believes is capable of emulating last year’s success and becoming the first team in over a quarter of a century to retain their title.
“Every premiership you win is really important but different so you never compare,” Robinson told AAP.
“We had an amazing year in 2013 and an amazing year in ’18 but for different reasons.
“But I am really proud to see we’re a club that continues to grow and continue to get better.
“In the six years we have had here we’ve built a team and a club around a certain ethic and style and it was really good to execute that on the biggest stage last year.”
The Roosters are the club opposition fans love to hate and Robinson said that pressure to win is something his players have learned to embrace and not fear.
“There is always a target on Roosters teams no matter where you sit on the ladder so that is good experience for us,” he said.
“We have constant pressure. I think pressure is a good word and not a bad one.
“We’re not looking too far ahead, we’re getting back to work and building internally as we prepare for the start of the season.
“Everybody knows what we want to do, but it’s not about looking at the top it’s about building from the bottom.”
NSW back-rower Angus Crichton and former Blues and Test winger Brett Morris are the two highest-profile arrivals in the off-season.
Crichton is back at the club he left as a local junior in 2015 on a $1 million a season deal from bitter rivals South Sydney after making his Origin debut in game one of the 2-1 series win over Queensland.
His arrival bolsters an already stellar forward and Robinson believes Crichton has only scratched the surface of his potential as a player.
“Angus is a powerful back-rower and his style of play has been pretty clear to see over the last couple of years,” he said.
“We’re really excited about what we will hopefully see over the next three years from him.
“We won’t be changing how he plays, we’ll be looking to build on what he already has and make him even better.”
Morris made a storming start to his Roosters career in the World Club Challenge running in a first-half hat-trick in the 20-8 win over Wigan and Robinson admitted the 32-year-old is even better than he envisaged.
“He’s hard to handle out of the back field, has good footwork and he’s a finisher,” Robinson said.
“I don’t know why but I was surprised at how sharp he was. He’s fast and has genuine pace.”
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Finishes over the past three seasons: 2018 – Premiers; 2017 – 2nd; 2016 – 15th
Coach: Trent Robinson
Captains: Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend
Key gains: Egan Butcher, Angus Crichton (Souths), Craig Garvey (Raiders), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Drew Hutchison (Leigh Centurions), Asu Kepaoa (Knights), Brock Lamb (Knights), Brett Morris (Bulldogs).
Key losses: Kurt Baptiste (Cowboys), Mitch Cornish (retired), Blake Ferguson (Eels), Ryan Matterson (Tigers), Paul Momirovski (Tigers), Dylan Napa (Bulldogs), Frank-Paul Nu’uausala (retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Reuben Porter (Raiders), Chris Smith (Bulldogs), Eloni Vunakece (retired)
Best team: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Joseph Manu, 4. Latrell Mitchell, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jared-Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Victor Radley. Bench: Isaac 14. Liu, 15. Zane Tetavano, 16. Mitch Aubusson, 17. Lindsay Collins.
Predicted finish: 1st
