Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has once again played down the importance of winning the NRL minor premiership ahead of Thursday's mouth-watering clash with bitter rivals South Sydney.
The winner of the Allianz Stadium encounter could potentially lift the JJ Giltinan Shield and pocket $100,000 in prize money for finishing top of the ladder.
The Roosters won both the shield and the grand final last year but after seeing off Melbourne 24-12 for a fifth successive win on Saturday Robinson was more concerned about maintaining momentum at this time of year.
"It's a big game a big occasion and we are excited about playing Souths," Robinson said.
"I think I said last year it's a great accolade of a bygone era in the way we've set up this competition.
"It's great to have but it doesn't mean enough in how the finals are set up. We're more focused on creating momentum."
Melbourne were in control for much of the game but the Roosters somehow found a way to turn a 12-8 deficit into a win in the final 14 minutes.
After a slow start to the campaign Robinson's side have hit form at the perfect time and the coach paid tribute to how his players have turned things around.
"I think we've put ourselves in a really good position," he said.
"We've secured top four and you can see there is really good confidence in the way the guys are playing in attack and defence.
"We still need some fine tuning. But I like the attitude of the guys at the moment."
Robinson also played down the importance of a short turnaround with Souths having the luxury of a full seven days to prepare for the game.
"They are the turnarounds you get, you make it good," he said.
"I've heard too much complaining about turnarounds. You get short ones you get long ones. We'll be right."
Share
