The challenge for Robinson is making it all work. On paper, a place where premierships are never won, he has a premiership team. His spine, with or without Pearce, is now the best in the game. Similar things were said when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Kieran Foran joined Shaun Johnson and Isaac Luke at the Warriors. It doesn't always work.

The situation is a delicate one. Pearce is much-loved by his teammates and while they are excited about the addition of Cronk, they are feeling Pearce's pain. The departure of a favourite son has the potential to tear a club apart. Just look at Glenn Stewart and Manly.

Pearce will weigh up his options during a two-week holiday with his girlfriend. But, however, you spin it, the situation is untenable. Pearce has to go. It is the best thing for him and the club.

Robinson has been trying to bring Pearce around. The pitch is this: there is the opportunity to learn from Cronk; to perform Peter Wallace/Ben Hunt-style switches between halfback and hooker; and to finish a one-club man. Most importantly, Pearce has been told the chances of winning another comp are stronger playing alongside Cronk than against him.

Whether Robinson can get his spine to click remains to be seen. He won't have much time. At Melbourne, Cronk had Cameron Smith and Billy Slater at his disposal, both Immortals in waiting. Their combination is the result of playing with each other from the age of 17. Robinson will have a pre-season – a shortened one at that due to the World Cup – to make it gel.

Robinson will be hoping that Cronk can have the same effect on team morale as that of Sonny Bill Williams. For all of his brilliance, "SBW" made his biggest contribution off the field. He taught them about professionalism, attention to detail and selflessness. While Cronk has humbly suggested he must buy into the Roosters culture, those who signed him hope he will drive it.

Cronk has been signed for two years, but Robinson will need to start showing results well before then. Since becoming an NRL coach in 2013 – and overseeing a premiership in his rookie year – Robinson has had one bad year. Season 2016 was a write-off after the infamous Australia Day episode. The Roosters not only stood by Pearce, but Robinson, too. Rather than sack the coach, they backed him, re-signing him until at least the end of 2019. Robinson will now be expected to deliver. If pressure is indeed a privilege, then Robinson is in a most privileged position.

The same cannot be said of Pearce. He is no longer the club's best halfback. He isn't their best five-eighth or hooker either. If he is to be the main man again, he must go to Cronulla, Manly or Newcastle. The most maligned player in the NRL needs a fresh start. Cronk's arrival could well be the best thing that ever happened to Pearce. Only time will tell if the same can be said for Robinson.