Trent Robinson says Billy Smith's persistence reflects the character of the Sydney Roosters, who have reached the grand final with both starting centres overcoming major injuries.
"(Billy) is an inspiration to us, he is the reason that the club is the way that it is because he keeps turning up," Robinson said.
Smith, 26, has endured three season-ending ACL ruptures, a lisfranc injury, shoulder surgery and a broken jaw.
"There are many times where Billy thought it was the end.
There were many injuries where he thought it was just easier to finish and not keep playing and each time, there was a fire inside him that says I am going to go again.
Us as a club, we were like, 'is it the end?' And he kept saying 'no'."
Rob Toia also wondered if he would play again after rupturing his ACL in 2022.
Six games into his comeback, he broke his jaw, then suffered another ACL rupture during training.
"During those times when I was injured, I think the first thing that came to mind was, will I ever play footy again?," Toia told AAP.
"Fast forward a couple of years later, to think I'll be playing at a grand final, I can't believe it to be honest."
The 22-year-old has since become a Queensland Origin star and Dally M centre of the year.
Toia and Smith now have the opportunity to repay the Roosters' support with a strong showing in the NRL's grand final.