Re-signed Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson insists his rejuvenated NRL club can build on their success over the first two years of his reign, despite losing two of their biggest stars.
Widely regarded as one of the best young coaches in the code, Robinson has signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the Roosters until the end of the 2017 season.
It's further recognition of a very successful first two years in charge, during which he delivered the club an NRL premiership, two minor premierships and a World Club championship.
Robinson has collected some significant individual accolades, including the 2013 Dally M coach of the year and Rugby League International Federation international coach of the year awards.
Not a bad portfolio for a man whose appointment in late 2012 was considered a gamble in some quarters, as he lacked the experience and profile of some of elite predecessors such as Brian Smith, Chris Anderson, Ricky Stuart and Phil Gould.
Robinson, who spent one year as an assistant to Smith in 2010 when the Roosters reached the grand final, succeeded him, after they finished 13th in 2012 with just eight wins.
"When I got back, I knew the enormity of the task," said Robinson, who returned to the club after cutting his head coaching teeth with a two-year stint at French Super League club Catalans.
"But very happy two years later on where we're at. I'm very happy to extend.
"Another three years here and we've built well over the last few years.
"I feel like we can continue that and get some stability there and grow the group again over the next few years."
Robinson acknowledges he faces a challenge in trying to cover the departure of strike forward Sonny Bill Williams and fullback and club icon, Anthony Minichiello, with the club yet to sign any big name recruits for 2015.
"With 'Mini' retiring and Sonny going back to rugby union, some big losses there," Robinson said.
"But we've got a group that's developed well. Some senior guys that are moving from that 23 to 25 age bracket to 25 to-27.
"They are getting a bit more stable. They understand their footy a bit more and we've got some youth coming through as well, a lot debuted last year."
Robinson said he was proud of the culture at the Roosters, who a few years before his arrival became notorious for off-field player indiscretions.
"That (the culture) is something that's never done, you must keep investing in it each day," Robinson said.
TRENT ROBINSON'S TWO-YEAR ROOSTERS SUCCESS STORY
2013
*NRL Minor premiers and premiers.
*Dally M coach of the year
*Rugby League International Federation international coach of the year
2014
*World Club champions
NRL minor premiers.
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