Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has jumped to the defence of props Jared Warea-Hargreaves and Dylan Napa, arguing they're being maligned unfairly.
The tri-colours' front-rowers have had to wear their fair share of brickbats after last week's upset loss to the Wests Tigers.
The pair's criticism dates back to last year's finals when they failed to halt North Queensland juggernaut Jason Taumalolo despite, in the lead-up, talking up their plans to take him on.
The incident had led many to question their status as two of the game's blue-chip props and it has carried into this year.
While it's easy to point the finger at the Roosters' middle men for their defeat to the Tigers, Robinson says they're not to blame.
The Tigers won the yardage battle 1501m to 1355m, according to Fox Sports Stats, but Robinson said his team failed as a whole to reap dividends from what gains his forwards did make.
"I think people linked that last game to Saturday's game," Robinson said in reference to last year's preliminary-final loss to the Cowboys.
"They did what we asked them to do last week. They went forward; we just didn't ask the questions off the back of that last week.
"They've copped some criticism and it's easy for a coach to stand here and defend them. But all the people want to see is performance and that's what we've got to do tomorrow night."
The Roosters host Canterbury on Friday night at Allianz Stadium.
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