Cordner did not hide from the fact he thought the coach had got it wrong but it was only after watching the Roosters' 42-16 romp that Cordner realised how fresh he felt, especially physically, and why Robinson had again proven himself to be in a league of his own when it came to putting a player's welfare ahead of everything else, including two competition points.

The casualty ward at Bondi is growing but there remains a calmness and happiness through the joint – and Cordner attributes most of that to Robinson.

"It was pretty frustrating when Robbo told me I wasn't playing," Cordner said.

"I had passed all the tests and I'm a footballer, my job is to play football. Most players don't feel 100 per cent each week, and I felt like I was able and didn't want to let my teammates down.

"But Robbo told me it was the right call not to play. I didn't agree at the time. But now it's been a few days and I know it's done my body the world of good.

"Robbo tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

"I guess it makes you appreciate him more and respect him more because he's got your best interests at heart, that only makes you want to play for him more."

The Roosters beat up on the Cowboys with winger Matt Ikuvalu given the nod just 20 minutes before kick-off after Brett Morris re-aggravated a groin injury, and Lachlan Lam at hooker, despite never having played the position nor a competitive game of football in four months.

Robinson has every player prepared for all occasions, and knows by giving Cordner an enforced spell he will be of better use to the team for Thursday night's grand final replay against Canberra.

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"Whoever he asks to play he has the confidence in them they won't let him down," Cordner said.

"It's a demanding game, it's a demanding season, he needs us at our best and trusts the entire squad. Robbo knows whoever turns up will get the job done.

"Robbo is always evolving, every year is different to the next, and he wants us to be better. We never go into a game under-prepared. He's as competitive as hell and has the utmost respect from all the boys."

Victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground against the Raiders will be seven wins from eight games for the defending premiers since the NRL relaunched after the COVID-19 break.