Trent Robinson insists the Sydney Roosters are precisely where they want to be with their football despite agreeing they are not yet matching the NRL's best.
The Roosters will enter Monday's traditional Anzac Day clash with St George Illawarra in sixth spot, able to draw level on wins with top-four teams.
But despite that, they know they are still far from their best.
Roosters halfback Luke Keary raised eyebrows during the week when he admitted they were a drop below the likes of Melbourne, Penrith, Cronulla, South Sydney and Parramatta.
The playmaker also conceded the team's attack had been clunky, with he and halves partner Sam Walker having a 4-2 win-loss record in games together but having to fight to wins over Brisbane and the Warriors in recent weeks.
Robinson has long been content for his Roosters to build steadily into their season, not producing their best until the business end.
"We know where we're at," Robinson said when asked about Keary's comments.
"I said it a couple of weeks ago. Keary mentioned something like it too.
"We know, but we're not waiting in that position and crossing our fingers. We know where we're headed.
"We have a plan and that's about us improving our game. It's been a good start but we want to get better and it's no different for tomorrow."
Robinson is also more than comfortable with the way his new halves combination is developing.
Walker has shown glimpses at five-eighth of the sort of football the Roosters are aiming to produce, with he and Keary putting on clinics against Manly and North Queensland.
The Roosters will welcome Sam Verrills back to their starting side at hooker for the first time this year, after he returned via the bench last season.
It marks the first time that Verrills, Walker, Keary and James Tedesco have started together in the spine, despite being the Roosters' first-choice one, six, seven and nine since Jake Friend retired early last year.
Ever since, the club have battled through several combinations due to injuries, with Victor Radley also in and out of the side as a key ball-playing middle.
"(Sam Walker)'s transition to five-eighth and to the left hand side and getting those combos has been good," Robinson said.
"He's attacking the game a little more.
"Luke is taking control of the game and Sam has more freedom there.
"Now it's time for Sam, Sam (Verrills), Luke, Teddy and Rads to keep growing over the next month."
Meanwhile Robinson confirmed centre Paul Momirovski would be fine to return from a quad injury, after being a late scratching from their last-start win over the Warriors.
