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BRIAN Smith swears it has nothing to do with secret handshakes or high-fives. And the Roosters coach is adamant the only ink he's familiar with is from the pen in his hand.
"I like a funky handshake just as much as the next bloke," Smith said.
But there's no denying Smith's affinity for blooding footballers of Islander descent, with over half of the Roosters' squad in today's Foundation Cup match with Wests Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium boasting Polynesian heritage.
Sticking to the formula that saw Smith nurture the rise of Newcastle Knights stars Richard Fa'aoso, Cooper Vuna, Junior Sau and Aku Uate to NRL prominence last season, Smith has unveiled his latest offering of frightening power, speed and intimidation at the Bondi Junction club.
The eldest of the nine Islanders selected by Smith for today's trial, 25-year-old Lopini Paea, heads a long-list of fresh faces rich with Tongan, New Zealand, Maori and Samoan bloodlines.
Among them are Olireti Samuelu, Joseph Leilua, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Perrett, (back row) Lopini Paea, Isaac Maliota, Brad Takairangi, Anthony Cherrington and Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
But Smith says there's no secret science to the influx of Islanders at the Roosters.
"I think it's fair to say two things," Smith said. "I think there's a lot more Polynesian boys around now because lots of them have come to live in Sydney, and the second thing is lots of them have that body shape that lends itself to being a good footy player.
"There's a lot of good strong ones amongst them and that's what footy takes. The old stereotypical comment, mainly from us white fellas, is that they're OK, but do they know how to train properly? I think all that stuff is well off the mark.
"The boys here are just as good as anyone else in terms of training, attitude and discipline."
At just 25, Paea has emerged as an unlikely senior figure for Smith's "brothers". But he claims his role in a Roosters pack seemingly lacking depth has never been more crucial before adding that he will lead his younger team-mates by example.
"I just try to do the best I can with encouragement," Paea said.
"I think (Smith) understands us Islanders' strengths. We're powerful, explosive athletes and I think he knows how to maximise it to his full potential.
"Brian doesn't expect us to play long minutes, but he expects that when we get out there we rip in.
"I think it's important to use your bench wisely, it's a 17-man game not 13. And I think that the teams that do go well are the teams that use their bench well, so hopefully Smithy will be doing that with us on Sunday and for the season."
"I like a funky handshake just as much as the next bloke," Smith said.
But there's no denying Smith's affinity for blooding footballers of Islander descent, with over half of the Roosters' squad in today's Foundation Cup match with Wests Tigers at the Sydney Football Stadium boasting Polynesian heritage.
Sticking to the formula that saw Smith nurture the rise of Newcastle Knights stars Richard Fa'aoso, Cooper Vuna, Junior Sau and Aku Uate to NRL prominence last season, Smith has unveiled his latest offering of frightening power, speed and intimidation at the Bondi Junction club.
The eldest of the nine Islanders selected by Smith for today's trial, 25-year-old Lopini Paea, heads a long-list of fresh faces rich with Tongan, New Zealand, Maori and Samoan bloodlines.
Among them are Olireti Samuelu, Joseph Leilua, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Perrett, (back row) Lopini Paea, Isaac Maliota, Brad Takairangi, Anthony Cherrington and Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
But Smith says there's no secret science to the influx of Islanders at the Roosters.
"I think it's fair to say two things," Smith said. "I think there's a lot more Polynesian boys around now because lots of them have come to live in Sydney, and the second thing is lots of them have that body shape that lends itself to being a good footy player.
"There's a lot of good strong ones amongst them and that's what footy takes. The old stereotypical comment, mainly from us white fellas, is that they're OK, but do they know how to train properly? I think all that stuff is well off the mark.
"The boys here are just as good as anyone else in terms of training, attitude and discipline."
At just 25, Paea has emerged as an unlikely senior figure for Smith's "brothers". But he claims his role in a Roosters pack seemingly lacking depth has never been more crucial before adding that he will lead his younger team-mates by example.
"I just try to do the best I can with encouragement," Paea said.
"I think (Smith) understands us Islanders' strengths. We're powerful, explosive athletes and I think he knows how to maximise it to his full potential.
"Brian doesn't expect us to play long minutes, but he expects that when we get out there we rip in.
"I think it's important to use your bench wisely, it's a 17-man game not 13. And I think that the teams that do go well are the teams that use their bench well, so hopefully Smithy will be doing that with us on Sunday and for the season."