“We’ve got to stay focused, make sure we nail the emotion around it and also nail the execution of our play,” he said.
Robinson added that “footy hate is different to real hate”, but acknowledged that there has been no love lost between the two foundation clubs since 1908.
“That’s the beauty of our rivalry,” he said. “There is hate and there’s an anger that goes with it … that just elevates the sport to new heights.”
Latrell Mitchell’s high tackle on Joey Manu in 2021 led to a famous chapter in the Book of Feuds.Credit: NRL Photos
The recent drama surrounding South Sydney mid-season recruit Brandon Smith will only add to the intrigue of Friday night’s showdown.
Smith joined the Rabbitohs after the Roosters granted him a mid-season release and is now facing police charges for allegedly trying to supply drugs to Roosters forward Victor Radley in June. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Radley.
Asked if Smith’s presence would provide the Roosters with any extra motivation, Robinson replied: “No, none at all.”
He said any discussion about Smith had been how to minimise his impact.
“We know his strengths,” he said. “And so it’s been pure analysis on his game.”
Robinson confirmed halfback Sam Walker would return from a concussion lay-off, having sat out last week’s 40-10 hammering of Melbourne.
“He’s done a bit of work on a tackle position and all of that,” Robinson said.
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“That’s in his position, the way the modern game’s getting played, he’s dealing with sometimes the biggest players on the field.
“They’re in the back row now, with the way the six again’s gone … so he just had a chance to get back into that this week.
“And he’s also a proud guy. He doesn’t want that [concussion] to happen again.”
After winning four of their past five games to stay in the finals race, Robinson said “the reward is pretty clear for us” if they can beat Souths.
A Roosters loss would leave the door open for the ninth-placed Dolphins to leapfrog them into the top eight if they beat a depleted Canberra on Sunday.
“We feel ready for tomorrow night and we feel ready for what’s next as well … we’re not limiting ourselves even to what’s next,” Robinson said.
“So Friday night we want to earn the right to put a bit of a stamp on our season.”
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