The Sydney Roosters may be minor NRL premiers but they've been here before and know all too well the pain of falling short.
The Roosters locked up top spot with a 44-10 smash up of Parramatta on Saturday night to jump over the top of Melbourne to claim the JJ Giltinan Shield.
After starting the year as red-hot favourites with the bookies, they will now head into the finals as $3.25 fancies to win the title.
While the competition is the closest in the league's history, the Roosters have been formidable for most of the season following the high-profile recruitments of James Tedesco and Cooper Cronk, who wrapped up his third straight minor premiership.
"It's not an easy thing to win – it's 24 rounds, it's a tough competition, one of the toughest, physical sports in the world," coach Trent Robinson said.
"To finish on top after 24 rounds is a quality moment for the club."
Robinson on Saturday surpassed the great Arthur Halloway for most coaching appearances for the foundation club.
It was also his fourth minor premiership in his sixth season at Bondi Junction.
However in his time there, the club has walked away with just one premiership – in his debut year in 2013.
In 2014 and 2015 they also finished in top spot, only to bow out a game short of the grand final and it's a fate they're determined to avoid.
"It's pretty clear that we've worked hard to get into this position with this group of guys," Robinson said.
"It's caused some pain.
"There's just a trust and a belief that they have and a calmness that they have in knowing each other really well. Now it's time to prove and it starts next week."
Robinson said the side had turned their attention to the finals several weeks ago and were now finely tuned for their first-week match up, which will almost certainly be against Cronulla.
"They've been talking about getting prepped for a while now," Robinson said.
"There's a real focus about the way that they prepare.
"They know what it takes. Our staff know it takes to prepare the guys. It's happening right now."
Australian Associated Press
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Margaret River Mail
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