Lead from the front: Collins takes youngsters under his wing for grudge match

Collins, now in his 10th season with the Roosters, will captain the side alongside vice-captain Connor Watson as Robinson gives a number of younger players an opportunity in the final round of the regular season.

“I love the fact that they get rewarded,” Robinson said.

The Roosters have already secured a top-four finish, allowing Robinson to make the call to rest nine key players before September football begins next week.

It also means halves Hugo Savala and Daly Cherry-Evans will not get another opportunity to play together before the finals, with Robinson deciding both players would benefit more from a week off.

“It was either both play or both rest because I want them to spend a fair bit of time together and I decided to rest them both,” Robinson said.

“Hugo hasn’t played in the halves in the last couple of months, but he’s also played a lot.”

Resting players ahead of the finals can divide opinion, particularly with Friday night’s match against the Rabbitohs, one of the game’s great rivalries.

But Robinson said the decision was straightforward.

“It was all really clear what was the best thing for us this week and what players have played Origin or a fair amount of time leading up to that game,” he said.

“That was the clear point and the clear belief in what we can achieve tomorrow night with the team.”

Robinson is confident the side selected can still deliver against the Rabbitohs, with the majority of the squad already having NRL experience.

“They’re all Roosters players and have been in our system for a long time,” he said.

“We really value this game and I think we need to prove that tomorrow night.

“There’s a future in what we’re going to be playing out there as well. We’ll have one debut, but the rest have played NRL.

“I know what’s right for the Roosters and I love this game.”

The Roosters will enter the finals without star halfback Sam Walker, who underwent syndesmosis surgery on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury.

While there is no exact timeline on his return, the club remains hopeful Walker could play again this season.

“He got operated on Sunday afternoon and he’s just in the initial phase,” Robinson said.

“There’s not much to do in that phase of recovery. They heal quite quickly, those injuries. 

“There’s extreme disappointment and then you get on with what’s next. That’s the common thing in sport.

“The timing of it is not ideal, but you get to, ‘What can I do to get back as quickly as possible?’”

There was better news for second-rower Angus Crichton, who remains on track in his recovery from an ankle injury.

“Gussy is still progressing but on track, so that will be a next-week decision,” Robinson said.

Victor Radley is also expected to be available for week one of the finals after recovering from concussion.

“He will be there week one,” Robinson said.

Rugby league's oldest rivals will collide in a Friday-night blockbuster at Allianz Stadium. Tickets are selling fast, click here to secure your seats before they are gone.