Joey’s tip prompted lifeline for Cornish

SYDNEY Roosters coach Trent Robinson has revealed it was a tip-off from Andrew Johns which led him to throwing Mitchell Cornish a lifeline.

Standing in for halfback Mitchell Pearce – who was away on NSWState of Origin duty – Cornish played an unlikely leading hand in the Roosters’ 14-12 win over South Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

It was a performance that not only exposed the 24-year-old to a wider audience but could also have ramifications for his career as he seeks a contract for next year.

The Roosters were expected to struggle without their Origin contingent but Cornish helped fill the void as Robinson’s side ground out an important win which keeps them in the top four heading into the final third of the season.

After being flogged by Cronulla a week earlier, it was imperative that the Roosters bounce back and Cornish played a key role.

Making just his 17th first-grade appearance, the former Canberra and Parramatta playmaker was influential with his long-kicking game and never looked out of place.

After exiting Parramatta last season, Robinson decided to hand an opportunity to Cornish at the urging of eighth Immortal Johns.

‘‘Halfbacks allow everyone else to do their role,’’ Robinson said.

‘‘And Mitch came in and his talk out there was really strong. He pushed the forwards around and he kicked us into really good positions along with Nug [Jake Friend]. It was really good.

‘‘We’ve seen Mitch for years down in Canberra. I talked to Joey Johns about him quite a bit. We always thought this guy was really good. We really like his style and he’s been outstanding for us this year but people haven’t seen it because he hasn’t played NRL much.’’

Cornish is in negotiations with the club and said he hoped to remain at Bondi Junction.

Though he may not get a game for the rest of the year, it was a performance in which he put his hand up for further first-grade honours.