Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has taken aim at critics of his team's premiership credentials, saying they have mastered the clutch moments in big games.
The Roosters on Friday moved to within 80 minutes of this year's NRL grand final after coming back from the brink of defeat to snatch a 24-22 qualifying final win over Brisbane.
After setting a league record 11th win by six points or less in their final round win over Gold Coast, the Roosters tallied a 12th courtesy of Latrell Mitchell's 75th minute try against the Broncos.
But it was back-to-back defensive efforts in the game's closing moments, when Mitchell Pearce and Daniel Tupou pounced on loose balls, that Robinson said is further proof of their ability in tight situations.
"I reckon most of you guys are sitting there thinking, 'Are these guys any good or not? When are they going to play the full 80 minutes?" Robinson said.
"But Daniel Tupou dives on that loose ball, Mitchell Pearce dives on that loose ball, Latrell Mitchell has those moments.
"There's two ways to win games; that's to be dominant over a long period of time or to know the moments that you need to do, to win the game."
Robinson admitted his team had yet to produce a complete performance, but said critics have undervalued their collective ability in the clutch.
"Too many people have underestimated those moments that shut out games or go after games. It's so important," he said.
"And it's fine with us, but we've just got to keep coming up with them."
The Roosters appeared set to blow a 14-0 lead when Blake Ferguson's save of a Benji Marshall 40-20 attempt ended in Corey Oates giving the Broncos a two-point lead with ten minutes to go.
However Robinson said he was impressed with the way his team were quick to put the disappointment behind them and rally for the win.
"They found a way to win (with) calmness. Most teams, nearly all teams, won't find a way to win after that," he said.
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