Sydney Roosters bookend Sam Moa says the fact his team and coach Trent Robinson didn’t talk about Mitchell Pearce and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ absence made the team excel last weekend against Manly and the tricolours were hoping for another impressive outing tonight against rivals South Sydney.

“Obviously [Waerea-Hargreaves is a] huge loss for us but we made a good point about not talking about it too much because everyone who knew they had to step up did,” Moa said.

“I put a lot of ownership on myself and everyone else seemed to step up which is an encouraging sign.

“It was the same with Mitchell as well – it gave Jackson [Hastings] a lot of confidence not hearing too much about it.

“Jackson did a fantastic job, and it gives everyone else a chance to contribute and play their best football.”

The Roosters have now secured the minor premiership with Brisbane’s loss last night.