Trent Robinson is bullish over the Sydney Roosters' hopes of retaining Angus Crichton, declaring negotiations with the representative back-rower are "on track".
Crichton is enjoying a career-best year which was typified by his powerful display in NSW's game-two State of Origin win on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old further underlined his standing as one of the game's elite back-rowers and Robinson is keen to ensure the off-contract star remains at the club.
It caps a remarkable turnaround for Crichton, who appeared to be heading out the door at the Roosters when he started round one outside of Robinson's best 17.
The forward voiced his frustration at the club's failed attempt to sign Gold Coast star David Fifita over the top of him and has made no secret of his ambition to one day test himself in rugby union.
But Robinson believes the parties are heading in the right direction, confident Crichton's retention can off-set the loss of Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who will all leave the Roosters this off-season.
"I thought Angus was incredible, his ability to set the tone for that edge, break tackles, physical in contact," Robinson said.
"He dominated that edge from sort of the first minute to the 80th minute which was great to see.
"We've been pretty clear with (Crichton's) management and it hasn't changed anything since Wednesday night … it's on track.
"We've been on our path with Angus and his management for probably about six weeks or seven weeks, it's been pretty clear."
Robinson is yet to make a call on the availability of Crichton and Queensland prop Lindsay Collins ahead of Sunday's home clash with the Wests Tigers.
The game is Robinson's 300th in charge of the Roosters - only Melbourne's Craig Bellamy has coached more games at the same club - and they will face a resurgent Tigers.
Benji Marshall's side has climbed off the bottom of the NRL ladder and a victory over the Roosters would give them three-straight wins for the first time since 2018.
"They're a really good young side," Robinson said.
"They've been playing with confidence with a good game at Leichhardt and then Campbelltown.
"They're filled with confidence and we're looking forward to the challenge of that and we'll attack them from the outset."
