'Not talking this week': Fitzgibbon out to turn tables on former mentor

Robinson has long been viewed as one of the smartest and most respected coaches in the game. The former Tiger and Eel enjoyed instant success as a coach, first with Catalans before leading the Roosters to premiership glory in his first season in charge in 2013. 

Throughout more than a decade, Robinson has mentored and helped develop a production line of assistants who have gone on to become head coaches. 

Fitzgibbon headlines the list, along with current Eels coach Jason Ryles, former Knights coach Adam O'Brien and current Knights coach Justin Holbrook.

It's no coincidence both the Sharks and Newcastle are still alive in this year's competition.

Current Roosters assistants Matt King and Michael Cheika are also in their final days with the club before taking on head coaching roles of the NSW Blues and NSW Waratahs, respectively. 

While proud to see his former assistants flourish, Robinson said personal relationships will be put to the side this week as the Roosters put their season on the line. 

"We honour the clubs we play for and coach for and that's our role," Robinson said. "All of [the relationships] get put aside. 

"If that emotion creeps in, you're not built for the role. You go about your business, you're purely focused on what the Roosters need to do this week. 

"We're a close group from a friendship point of view, there's a shared care for each other but it's footy, no one cares about that outside our personal relationships. It's about Saturday night, for Justin it's about Sunday. 

"We've got roles to play. Our role is to go out there and coach our team, offer the best support we can to our players to go and nail the best game."

Fitzgibbon has enjoyed considerable success since leaving the Roosters to take charge of the Sharks in 2022.  

Cronulla have played finals football in every year since he took over and are chasing a third-straight preliminary final this weekend. 

The Sharks are riding high after an elimination final victory over the Cowboys, while the Roosters are desperate to rebound from last week's tight loss to Penrith. 

Cronulla knocked the Roosters out of the competition last season but Robinson enjoyed some revenge this year, his side winning both matches played throughout the season.

While he learnt plenty from his former mentor, Fitzgibbon has made a point of forging his own path and backed his team to upset the Roosters on Saturday night. 

"I was never silly enough to imitate or clone him," Fitzgibbon said. "He's a unique guy, a unique coach and I'm entirely different as a man.

"Any coach has to do things their own way, you've got to be authentic in our jobs. We're a bit different but I've got a whole heap of respect for him, he's got a wonderful record as a coach and I learnt plenty off him."

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