Newly appointed Roosters skipper Braith Anasta believes his players' unwavering belief in their collective abilities is to blame for the side's late-season-form slump.
The Roosters' two-point escape against the Rabbitohs on Friday night snapped a worrying three-match-losing run which saw them lose contact with the Storm, Sea Eagles and Sharks at the top of the NRL tree.
And while a lack of confidence would seem the more likely diagnosis for his side's freefall, the NSW five-eighth says an element of complacency which had crept into the camp in recent weeks is to blame.
"I think that was a bit of a problem that we were a bit over confident," Anasta said.
"We knew that when the big games are on for most of the year we stepped up - we've got some great players in this team and maybe we counted on that a bit too much at the end of the year and it was probably our demise but we know we can match it with the best teams in this comp."
Speaking on the eve of the pivotal clash with the in-form Saints, Anasta said his team-mates still believe they can beat any team on their day and is confident they can turn things around in the coming weeks.
"I actually think it's the most relaxed our team's been for the past three months, it's been a good refreshing week for us, (we've been able) to clear our heads and we know what our job is and hopefully we can do it," he said.
Asked how Brad Fittler's decision to strip Craig Fitzgibbon of the captaincy had changed the on-field dynamics, Anasta said: "It hasn't changed too much, basically I've just got to lead the team as best as possible and be as vocal as I can."
"'Fitzy's' still a big part of this team and still a leader as well so he's there with me and we're both trying to lead the troops around."
Meanwhile, Anasta played down suggestions his side would look to target in-form Dragons veteran Wendell Sailor, and conceded the dual international is still a significant threat despite a two-year absence from the professional arena.
"He's a great player Wendell, he offers a lot to their team and he obviously brings the best out of them, he's shown that this year so he's definitely an x-factor," he said.
However, Anasta is confident the return of former Australian full-back Anthony Minichiello will provide his side with a similar spark.
"It's good to have 'Mini' back, he's arguably one of the best fullbacks to ever play the game so to have him in our team is a massive bonus," Anasta said.
"He looks to be going really well, he's worked hard to get back to where he is now and to get back on the field, it's a credit to him and we owe him as much as he owes us."