NRL finals 2015: Roosters’ Trent Robinson’ calm approach can master Wayne Bennett

[Darkone]

THERE is an intriguing irony behind Friday night’s coaching battle. It relates to Wayne Bennett and his long time rival Brian Smith.



Smith could never get the job done against Bennett in big games. They went head-to-head in three grand finals with Bennett winning all.

In 1992-93 it was Bennett’s Broncos over Smith’s Dragons, and in 2010 it was Bennett’s Dragons triumphing over Smith’s Roosters

But now the coach Smith helped shape has the chance to do what his mentor couldn’t. Knock Bennett out of the finals race for the second time in three years.

Trent Robinson got his coaching start in Australia under Smith as an assistant at Newcastle before they left for the Roosters. From there Robinson went to France to coach Catalans, before Nick Politis nabbed him back to take over from Smith for 2013.

In Robinson’s first season he won the premiership. That came after Robinson’s Roosters knocked Bennett’s Knights out in the grand final qualifier.

Now, he gets the chance to do it again when the Roosters take on the Broncos.

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The way the two coaches handle themselves on Friday night could go a long way to deciding which team goes through to the 2015 grand final.

All things being equal, the Roosters should win providing they play to their potential.

On paper they have the best squad, and with Pearce back from injury, that will only add to their confidence. All season they have been the competition’s benchmark.

They have won the last three minor premierships. They have match winners in almost every position. And they have a coach the players believe in.

[2026]

Poor Smithy.

Always the bridesmaid.

[mightyrooster]

Great story. Trent is our buy of the decade. Even if we go no further in 2015, he has completely changed our club for the better. The culture, the professionalism, the bond between the players and players and coach, the players pride in easts and their understanding of the history of the club. He has made me so proud of our club. I love watching this team play and love our coach. No doubt if we lose tonight their will be posters on here calling for him to be sacked or questioning his credentials. I certainly won't be one of them.

[John Corey]

Great story. Trent is our buy of the decade. Even if we go no further in 2015, he has completely changed our club for the better. The culture, the professionalism, the bond between the players and players and coach, the players pride in easts and their understanding of the history of the club. He has made me so proud of our club. I love watching this team play and love our coach. No doubt if we lose tonight their will be posters on here calling for him to be sacked or questioning his credentials. I certainly won't be one of them.

I was only thinking that this morning. If we get beat tonight (which to be fair would be by a very good side on their home turf) then the knives will come out for Robbo by some on here. He has lost the edge....he was always over rated.... Etc

We are blessed to have such a competitive team and to be part of what's been an incredible ride for such a long time now. We are the envy of most otherClubs, despite what their supporters say. Our Club is not only the benchmark on the field, but off it as well.

Anyway, I will be at Suncorp tonight with my beautiful little girl. No matter what the result, it's been a great ride so far in 2015.
Go Easts.

[Tommy Smith]

Robbo should have a lifetime contract at Easts.

Premierships are very hard to win, but with the way we have and will continue to operate, you get the feeling that we'll contend more often than not.

[Darkone]

Robbo said today the team is fresh & the staff are fresh, no excuses.

Robbo will live on 'ABC Grandstand at 7pm tonight

[Guest]

Robbo said today the team is fresh & the staff are fresh, no excuses.

Robbo will live on 'ABC Grandstand at 7pm tonight

Trent was well and truly schooled tonight. Is he smart enough to learn from it?

[roostersrule2]

I've never seen him more pissed off then tonight, I can understand why though.

[Johnny.]

Well, the calm and measured approach doesn't frigging work when the opposition coach has been dead for 20 years and nobody noticed.

[mightyrooster]

Great story. Trent is our buy of the decade. Even if we go no further in 2015, he has completely changed our club for the better. The culture, the professionalism, the bond between the players and players and coach, the players pride in easts and their understanding of the history of the club. He has made me so proud of our club. I love watching this team play and love our coach. No doubt if we lose tonight their will be posters on here calling for him to be sacked or questioning his credentials. I certainly won't be one of them.

Well there you go.
I'm as disappointed as you all, but to blame Robbo is ridiculous. Predictable though. Perhaps Hasler and Bellamy should be sacked as well for their lack of premiership achievement the past 3 years.

[Guest]

Well there you go.
I'm as disappointed as you all, but to blame Robbo is ridiculous. Predictable though. Perhaps Hasler and Bellamy should be sacked as well for their lack of premiership achievement the past 3 years.

I have no argument and no its not because your my favourite..

[Tommy Smith]

Well there you go.
I'm as disappointed as you all, but to blame Robbo is ridiculous. Predictable though. Perhaps Hasler and Bellamy should be sacked as well for their lack of premiership achievement the past 3 years.

Nailed it.

The NRL is imo the hardest competiton to win in world sport.

It's a brutal competition, with coaches at the mercy of luck with injuries. And Robbo has had no luck with injuries this year, losing two of our 5 most important players to season ending injuries in the space of 5 minutes and so close to the finals.

The two quality teams in the GF have had plenty of luck in that respect. And so it's no surprise that they're the last ones standing.

Take Scott and Morgan or Hunt and Parker out of their teams and let's see how they would have fared against us. Not very well.

[mightyrooster]

I have no argument and no its not because your my favourite..

Well hello scape. Have you been reading the forums for a while now? Are you related to lemon and lime?
I think your name is very apt given what many posters on here appear to be looking for at the moment.

[Johnny.]

I have no argument and no its not because your my favourite..

For the love of all that's Freddy-like, it's YOU'RE not YOUR.