The return to form of hooker Brandon Smith has given the Sydney Roosters a timely boost as they target going on a winning run to play NRL finals.
Smith had one of his best games of the season as a starting No.9 this year in a 36-18 win over Gold Coast on Saturday.
Captain James Tedesco was man of the march at fullback but Smith, five-eighth Luke Keary and half Sandon Smith combined with style to give the Roosters' spine some polish.
Smith made 103 metres from his six runs, posted 43 tackles and provided slick service in a 72-minute display.
It was his first starting gig at No.9 since round 10 and a huge boost to his confidence, and that of the team, ahead of the showdown with Brisbane on Thursday night at the Gabba.
The Roosters are on 22 competition points, two points outside the top eight, and having Smith fire will be vital for Trent Robinson’s team if they are to play in September.
“He's got a quite unique style of playing nine, so it is important to get him going because he is such a bullocking style of a nine, and then it's the consistency of having the (same) nine, seven, six and one as much as possible,” Robinson said.
“Sandon did a really good job today, I was really proud of the way that he played. Getting the consistency of that spine is key to how we're going to go.”
Former Melbourne rake Smith broke his thumb in round 12 and missed seven matches.
“He trained really hard in that break on and off the field … on himself and on his fitness,” Robinson said.
“He came back, played off the bench and then it was time to start him and get him going.
“That was a really good start to the back end of the year for him.”
Last year the Roosters won their last eight games of the season to play in the finals.
When asked if they could do something similar this year, Robinson was optimistic.
“I always have belief in our team and the way that we're going to play," he said.
"With that belief comes work and you've got to work at it and train it and go and perform.
“Not being rude to the opposition, but we're going up a class next on Thursday night and we need to as well.”
