Trent Robinson has told Sydney Roosters fans to lay off South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell after he was subject to relentless booing during last Friday's game between the sides.
The Roosters claimed a 26-16 win over their nearest rivals to round out the regular season and set up a winner-takes-all elimination final against the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Mitchell was heckled whenever he brought the ball out from his own end and while attempting conversions during last week's game.
The 25-year-old Rabbitohs fullback missed last year's finals series with suspension for his hit on Joey Manu and was bound to get a hostile reception.
But Robinson, who coached Mitchell to two premierships with the Roosters, said it was time for his club's supporters to move on.
"I think it was obviously in context with what happened last year and it was our first home game," Robinson said on Saturday.
"That's where it should rest. It shouldn't happen tomorrow (Sunday).
"He's left a huge imprint on this team and we really care about him.
"My kids will still ask about Latrell and if he's playing.
"He is a real favourite and that (the booing) should stay (in) last week and we should move on to this week's contest."
South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou claimed the booing was part of the "pantomime" and said Mitchell was in good spirits.
Robinson's side will be without Manu due to a calf injury he picked up last week with Paul Momirovski shifted into the centres to cover for the Kiwi international.
It's a significant blow for the Chooks but Robinson revealed experienced prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and winger Daniel Tupou would both be fit to play.
"(Tupou) is a really good in and he's accelerated well, so getting the experience of 'Tups' back, we're fortunate for that," Robinson said.
Sunday's game will also be the first time Joseph Suaalii will play against Souths after quitting the club to join the Roosters before he had played a game of NRL.
The teenager has been in devastating form on the wing and Robinson said he was expecting him to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
"He enjoys the game and he enjoys the moments of games," Robinson said.
"He continues to push and get what he can out of himself. He's made to play footy - that's clear."
