NRL: Nothing to crow about in sad exit

The Roosters failed to capitalise when they lost on Friday night. Photo / Getty Images

Trent Robinson offered no excuses but also struggled to reconcile just why the Roosters' NRL title defence ended in disappointment and despair.

"We feel like - and I think everyone knows - that we're a good enough team. We had the players there, but we just couldn't get it done," Robinson said in the sorry aftermath of the Roosters' 32-22 preliminary final loss to the Rabbitohs on Friday night.

The Roosters had been bidding to become the first team in 21 years to go back-to-back in a united competition, while Robinson fell two wins short of becoming the first coach in history to land premierships in his first two seasons in charge.

"I really don't want to put it down to last year as the reason why we didn't win this year. I feel like we had an opportunity," he said. "We set it up really well and over the last month, probably three weeks, we just couldn't get it right.

"We got it right in patches and [against the Rabbitohs] we just couldn't get it into a 80-minute package to get what we wanted out of the season."

Despite their premature exit, Robinson still labelled 2014 "an awesome year" after his side entered the finals on the back of six-straight wins with another minor premiership.

But the tri-colours were unable to carry the momentum of their impressive final-round defeat of the Rabbitohs into the playoffs.

A last-gasp 19-18 loss to Penrith and desperate 31-30 escape over North Queensland ultimately took a huge physical and mental toll in the final hour of Friday night's grand final qualifying collapse.

"Credit to the other teams; they've done well. Penrith knocking us off in the first round [of the finals], that was a real setback," Robinson said.

The defeat also meant the end of Sonny Bill Williams' second stint in the NRL before a switch back to rugby union for at least two years. He said he leaves with no regrets but won't rule out a possible return to the Roosters before his career is through.

"You never know, the way things pan out," Williams said. "I'm 29 now and not a spring chicken. I've got two years in New Zealand and I'm looking forward to that. A new challenge and a new chapter in my life.

"I'm going to have a child, too, which is the biggest thing going on right now.

"Looking back on the last two years, I'm very proud of the way I've conducted myself and proud to say I've played alongside some great players. We've won a premiership."

Williams admitted he hurt his shoulder when tipped in a tackle by hooker Issac Luke in the first half and Luke risks missing the grand final after being put on report for the dangerous throw. Williams hopes his former New Zealand team-mate escapes suspension.

"I hope [Luke] gets off. I was a little bit sore when I first did it, but it was sweet. I wish Souths all the best next week." AAP