As the Roosters processed losing two young stars on Friday, the "connection" shared by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Siosiua Taukeiaho showed why the premiers were able to overcome adversity.
Speaking on Sunday, Waerea-Hargreaves said his desire to "dig deep" was instantly triggered after Victor Radley and Sam Verrills suffered season-ending ACL injuries in the win over the Dragons.
James Tedesco and Josh Morris were already in the casualty ward, while it was later revealed that Isaac Liu had broken ribs.
Enforcer Waerea-Hargreaves said he and fellow prop Taukeiaho took it upon themselves to stand up. They played 73 and 80 minutes respectively and ran for 445 combined metres.
"I think we had a dropout there and Ice [Liu] was pretty dusty. That's when you look at each other and you have that instant connection: 'Let's go, let's grow and let's enjoy being out here'," Waerea-Hargreaves said.
Robinson adamant no formal complaint was made
"Whether you're in a fatigued sort of state, whether the momentum's against you, you've just got to grow in those times. [Taukeiaho and I] looked at each other on the field, we gave each other the nod.
"Travvy [Touma, trainer] came out and we just said all good, let us go and we'll be fine. I think it was when Verrills went down that we sort of had a moment."
That mentality is why the Roosters believe their shot at three straight premierships won't be derailed by injuries.
Utility Mitchell Aubusson said it was now a case of "next man up".
Radley leaves field after clutching at knee
"Every year it sort of happens in one way or another. But again we're really confident in the squad that we've got and the team. We've worked really hard," Aubusson said.
"Those guys will be ready to go, whoever comes in. We'll get around those guys that are hurt and make sure they're ready to go next year, but the show must go on."
Aubusson said he was ready to be thrown into a new role if needed.
Commentating for Nine during the Dragons game, Immortal Andrew Johns queried whether the Roosters would have to alter their attacking style without ball-playing lock Radley being the side's "link".
However, Aubusson doesn't expect a lot of tinkering.
"The guys that will come in will definitely be able to play that [Radley] role, I'm sure," the veteran said.
"I'm not sure the coaches will want to change too much. That's a scenario for them to sort out. Whatever they decide to go with, we'll work with it and make sure we nail it."
Meanwhile, hooker Jake Friend has no qualms about playing 80 minutes each week with his understudy Verrills out.
"My rehab and recovery and all that stuff probably has to go up a touch, but I'll just look after my body and I'm sure I'll be able to punch out 80 for however long I need to," Friend said.
The Roosters have gained back prop Poasa Faamausili, who has been on loan to the Warriors for the past month.
"It'll be really good for us. It's been great to see him get a couple of games and I think he's performed really well," Friend said.
"Looking forward to having him back in with the injuries and all that to bolster up that pack."
Ageless Morris leaps his way to a hat-trick
Radley and Verrills have been receiving plenty of love from the team in the aftermath of their setbacks.
"They can go away and do the rehab together so that's one positive for it. I'm sure they'll be back bigger and better," Friend said.
Joey Manu added: "All the boys have been pretty good supporting them, just trying to make them laugh.
"It's tough for them but that's the sport we play."
