All week Lindsay Collins had a glimmer of hope of achieving a childhood dream to play in an NRL grand final - which his club later won.

But an hour before kick-off, those aspirations were ended as star halfback Cooper Cronk was named in the Roosters' starting line-up, pushing Collins off the bench.

But his contribution to the club over the past two seasons has not gone unnoticed, with Roosters coach Trent Robinson handing him his premiership ring following their emphatic victory over Melbourne on Sunday night at ANZ Stadium.

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Fairfax Media reports Robinson pulled Lindsay aside in the dressing rooms during their celebrations to award him the prized possession, sympathising with him over his last-minute omission.

Collins featured in the club's preliminary final win over South Sydney last Saturday and was expected to make way for Dylan Napa who was returning from a three-game suspension, but Cronk's injury paved way for a shock inclusion.

Robinson confirmed the Roosters only discovered Cronk was available late on Friday night after an intense rehabiliation process, opting to sit him out for Saturday's captain run.

The NRL commissioned 20 premiership rings valued at $10,000, individually numbered and featuring 160 black and white diamonds.

The 17 winning players received rings alongside Robinson, while two additional rings were given for the club to distribute. The other is donated annually to the NRL Museum.

In 2004, Johnathan Thurston famously gave his premiership ring to injured Bulldogs captain Steve Price, declaring: "I gave my ring to him because he's the best bloke on this earth!"

Collins has become a cult hero at the club, most notably for his luscious mullet - which has since been shaved - and strong work ethic.

He has played 10 games in red, white and blue, scoring one try in that time.