Trent Robinson’s classy tribute ahead of 113-year rarity

Roosters coach Trent Robinson was effusive in his praise for a ‘low maintenance’ Chooks veteran set to play his 200th game for the club.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson paid tribute to Isaac Liu ahead of the forward’s 200th game. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Sydney Roosters take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a mouth-watering match-up with just two rounds left before the finals begin, but for one Roosters star, it will be an incredibly special occasion.

Isaac Liu will play his 200th game for the Chooks on Friday night and becomes just the 11th player in Roosters history to chalk up a double century of games for the club.

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Roosters coach Trent Robinson almost ran out of superlatives when discussing the veteran forward’s contribution to the Eastern Suburbs club.

“He debuted in 2013 and just before he departs, he gets to play his 200th and go into rare air at the Sydney Roosters,” Robinson said.

“It’s such a privilege to coach as low maintenance a player as you can get.

“He knows his task, he’s detail driven and he’s played with an amazing capacity to improve himself year on year.

Isaac Liu will depart the Roosters at the end of the season. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s just an incredible player for us and no one whispers his name.

“We’ve been built on some star players, but we’ve also been built on players like Ice.”

Liu is hoping to finish his tenure with the Roosters on a high, as the 30-year-old will switch to the Gold Coast Titans next season.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook spoke of his leadership skills being a driving force behind the need to secure Liu’s signature, and it’s something Robinson will miss about the departing forward.

“There is never a wasted word from Ice,” Robinson said.

“If he doesn’t need to speak, he doesn’t. And if he does need to speak, he thinks twice.

“He is a detailed guy. He’ll write as much as anybody in our meetings and he’ll be precise about the way he goes about playing his game.

Robinson was full of praise for Isaac Liu ahead of his 200th NRL game. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“If you watch him play a game, you’ll marvel at the detailed nature of either his footwork or the way that he passes the ball or makes a tackle.

“I’m just so chuffed that he’s getting to play 200 games here before he heads closer to home.

“I’m going to enjoy the number of games I’ve got left with Ice.”

Liu has enjoyed a stellar career with the Roosters in the eight years he has been at the club.

With two premierships already under his belt, the eight-cap New Zealand international has enjoyed plenty of success throughout his time in the red, white and blue.

The rivalry clash against the Rabbitohs will provide a fiery encounter for Liu’s milestone occasion before the Roosters round out the regular season against the Canberra Raiders.

Robinson’s side sits in fourth spot on the ladder, two competition points ahead of Manly and Parramatta, who are fifth and sixth respectively.