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SYDNEY - Sydney Roosters forward Danny Nutley credits tighter defence for his side's dramatic National Rugby League (NRL) form reversal under coach Brad Fittler.
The Roosters leaked an unforgivable 24 tries in Chris Anderson's final three weeks at the club, but have conceded just eight since Fittler took control to win their past three games.
It is a mindset they must continue if they are to keep their charmed run going against a rampant New Zealand Warriors outfit at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Nutley said the Roosters had focused on becoming tighter in defence which had led to tougher contact and made a mockery of claims they were the "softest pack in the NRL".
The former Queensland forward admitted the Roosters were soft earlier this season but were now starting to hit with some venom.
"We were mate, at that time we probably were a soft pack," Nutley said of the anonymous player poll which labelled the club soft.
"We never really gave it to anyone and now our confidence is up and we are starting to improve a bit."
The Roosters defensive improvement was made abundantly clear when they bullied ladder leaders Melbourne in last week's surprise win.
Nutley said the 80-minute effort against the Storm had proven to the Roosters to continue on their defensive path.
"Heaps of confidence," he said.
"That's what we've been working on the last three weeks. Our defence and getting tighter and it's helped us and it's working pretty well.
"Our timing and getting off the line has improved and when you get that you get more confidence and start whacking.
"It's just come from everyone working together."
The Roosters will have to muscle up on Sunday with the Warriors in rare form, winning six of their past seven, and scoring 124 points in their past three games.
Warriors captain and prop Steve Price is in career-best form averaging close to 200m per game, while fullback Wade McKinnon is a constant menace in attack.
Nutley said the former Bulldog and Eel would be the two players the Roosters target.
"They're a massive pack and even they're backs are big so we have a bit to work on," he said.
"Pricey and McKinnon are their best two players and are in top form both of them.
"We need to cut them down, and (hooker) George Gatis as well is going good so we have plenty to work on."
Coach Fittler, chasing his fourth win in as many games to remain unbeaten, believed the current Warriors squad resembled the side he beat as a player in the 2002 grand final.
"This is as dangerous a team you could face at this time of year," Fittler said.
"They're getting on a real roll. A side as big and dangerous as them, when they get momentum it's pretty hard to stop.
"They're very spirited still. They send blokes into the line and they all react when a bloke hits the line and looks for offloads.
"They play that ad lib footy better than anyone. There's definite similarities (with 2002 Warriors side)."
- AAP
