The Sydney Roosters have thrown their wings around under-fire superstar Latrell Mitchell and declared he is undeterred by the wave of criticism directed at him after his lacklustre State of Origin I display.
The Roosters strike centre will return to the field in Sunday's NRL clash with Canterbury in what shapes as a test of mental strength for the 21-year-old.
Hailed as arguably the best player in the game after his destructive performance against the Wests Tigers a month ago, he was panned after being soundly beaten by Maroons centre Will Chambers in the Origin opener.
Former Roosters and Blues coach Phil Gould questioned his headspace and whether he would be a distraction for NSW heading into next weekend's must-win Origin II in Perth.
He returned to hometown Taree on NSW's North Coast and missed last week's loss to Penrith but has been back at training this week.
"We've gone through what you do as a coach and a player and the support that a player needs at this time," Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
"No matter what's been said before, whether you've had pats on the back or criticism, it's 'get ready to play'. That's been our focus."
Mitchell's mindset was brought into question following his split from manager Steve Deacon.
Bulldogs prop Dylan Napa, who will meet his former side for the first time on Sunday, bristled at the criticism of his former teammate.
But Robinson said it was part and parcel of the game.
"I think that's a part of being a sportsman and a much-loved sportsman," Robinson said.
"If you ask most Roosters supporters, and especially young ones, who do they look up to? It's Latrell.
"It's going to come with that. My thing is to not ever will away that talk about you because it means you're doing something right. People will have an opinion and be interested in how you're going."
Meanwhile, Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner will turn out for the Roosters at the SCG on Sunday despite battling an ankle injury, which has restricted his training schedule this week.
Blues captain Cordner picked up the ankle ligament injury in State of Origin I and Robinson said there was no fear of further damage.
"It would be painful ... Then it's about his ability to push through (the pain) and if anyone is going to do it, Boyd is," Robinson said.
The match will represent Dallin Watene-Zelezniak's first game for the Bulldogs after his mid-season switch from Penrith.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Roosters have won 10 of the past 13 games against the Bulldogs, including the past four.
* The Roosters have lost the past three games, and will want to avoid losing four consecutive games for the first time since losing six straight from rounds 14-20, 2016.
