When Trent Robinson was hired as the head coach of the Sydney Roosters in late 2012, the decision was considered unexpected by many observers. At the time, industry expectations favored Jason Taylor, who had previously coached at South Sydney. The broader NRL coaching landscape during that period was dominated by 'old school' disciplinarians who often utilized aggressive or demanding management styles.

Robinson’s approach stood in stark contrast to other prominent coaches of that era, such as Michael Maguire at the South Sydney Rabbitohs. While Maguire was noted for his intense focus on football and a tendency to view players as tactical assets, Robinson prioritized a different philosophy. According to reports, Robinson’s success as the longest-serving coach in the club's history is rooted in a culture of respect. This shift in management style is credited with distinguishing the Roosters from their rivals and moving away from the 'ranting and raving' methods that were common in the league during the early 2010s.