The Sydney Roosters have whitewashed a lacklustre Bulldogs side with an imposing performance against the league leaders, winning 32-12 at ANZ Stadium.
What: NRL Round 11
Who: Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs
Result: 32-12
When and Where: May 23rd 7.45pm – ANZ Stadium
Match Rating: 7/10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
All eyes were on the return of dumped NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce, but it was the battle of the brutes headlining the opening act. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and David Klemmer went at it like two angry bulls, while Michael Ennis couldn’t help but get involved. He exchanged pleasantries all the way to sheds after things had blown up just before the break. The Chooks led 10-8 at the interval and then SBW took control. The backrower bagged a double as the Roosters eased away in the second half. The Dogs were gritty and tough and good value for money considering they were down four key players. The lack of class and experience showed in the end.
Who Killed It:
Anthony Minichiello and Sonny Bill Williams were standouts, while Origin discards Pearce and Maloney were solid but not spectacular
Who Stank It Up:
We say it every year but the NRL schedule really robbed us of what should have been a match straight from the top draw. The Dogs were missing too many players to Origin to stand a genuine chance.
What Do I Need To Know:
There was a concussion cloud over Sam Perrett who refused to leave the field in the first half, but didn’t run back out until later in the second. Captain Michael Ennis left the field late in obvious discomfort but that was probably as much to do with the defeat than any serious injury. And it was good to see Reni Maitua back in the NRL
What The:
The struggles of referees have been well documented this season, but they outdid themselves tonight, with video ref Steve Chiddy pressing the wrong button. Chiddy accidently awarded a ‘no try’ to the Roosters only for it to be embarrassingly overturned. A special mention as well to Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who played the match with his shorts on back to front.
Look Out Up Ahead:
The Roosters are at home to the struggling Canberra Raiders while the Bulldogs have a bye.
Sam Alexander
Article published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314111/nrl#postmatch
S.J.A 