The Sydney Roosters have whitewashed a lacklustre Bulldogs side with an imposing performance against the league leaders, winning 32-12 at ANZ Stadium.
Continue reading “Sydney Roosters topple ladder-leading Canterbury Bulldogs”
The Sydney Roosters have whitewashed a lacklustre Bulldogs side with an imposing performance against the league leaders, winning 32-12 at ANZ Stadium.
Continue reading “Sydney Roosters topple ladder-leading Canterbury Bulldogs”
It was all too easy for the Cowboys as they cruised to a massive 42-10 win over the Roosters who are looking far from the side they were last season.
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
The Cowboys opened proceedings at a blistering pace with the Northerners scoring three tries in the first 20 minutes. However, the Roosters aren’t ranked the second best defensive team in the NRL for nothing, and it was the veteran Anthony Minichiello who got the Sydney boys on the board.
The Roosters were starting to gain momentum before a contentious decision saw Captain Johnathan Thurston diving over the line after a Brent Tate fumble.
Following another Roosters blunder, the Cowboys were impeccable in their retaliation and some expansive ball play saw winger Matthew Wright prove to be the embodiment of their revitalised formation, giving the Cowboys a 30-6 half time lead.
The second half was all North Queensland with the side dominating possession, territory and getting the rub of the green with the referees. The Roosters couldn’t keep up with the Cowboys relentless attack and by the 60th minute the Cowboys were up 36-6 with the game all but over.
Kane Linnett’s hat trick was the icing on the cake for the Cowboys as the centre went crashing over in the 71st minute, extending the Cowboys lead to 42-6. The Roosters managed a consolation try after some Tuivasa-Sheck brilliance to finish with a 42-10 drubbing.
Who Killed It:
Johnathan Thurston put NSW on high alert as his standout display summarised the brilliant talent the half contains. His influence on the Cowboys was consolidated by his combination with late inclusion Robert Lui, as the two terrorised the Roosters. Do New South Wales fans really need another reason to be worried about Origin?
Who Stank It Up:
Spectators of this encounter would be baffled to know that the Roosters only average 14 points conceded per game and are ranked as the second best defence in the competition. Their defence was a shamble tonight, and their inability to capitalise on opportunities highlighted their lack of venom in attack.
What Do I Need To Know:
Gavin Cooper was stretchered from the field in the 52nd minute after a hip dislocation, while Cameron King was carried off after reportedly “feeling his knee go.” Origin camp’s had their hearts in their mouths as Boyd Cordner (ankle) and Brent Tate (leg and hip) showed obvious signs of pain in a tackle they were both adversely affected in.
What The..:
What has happened to the Roosters? The reigning premiers’ performance emulated that of the wooden spooner’s and need to get back on track, soon.
Look Out Up Ahead:
The Cowboys take on the struggling Canberra Raiders, Sunday 3pm at Canberra Stadium, as they will look to make it three wins in a row. The reigning premiers are on the road as they shape up against the Bulldogs who have won five on the trot, Friday 7.45pm.
Sam Alexander
Article published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314105/nrl#postmatch
What: NRL Round 7
Who: Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters
When: Saturday April 19 – 7.30pm
Where: Remondis Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Cron: LLLLWL
Roosters: LWWLLL
Things You Need To Know:
Both sides come into round seven with the less said about their recent form the better. The Sharks’ only change is Jonathan Wright in for Nathan Stapleton on the wing. Enforcers Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Anthony Tupou are still missing, leaving obvious holes in their go forward. Although there is a whisper Tupou might return. Daniel Mortimer and Dylan Napa are added to an extended bench for the Roosters, who are looking to break a three match losing streak.
Reason To Watch:
James Maloney’s form has come under the microscope and he will be primed to turn things around. His NSW jumper may hinge on him doing so
Reason To Turn Away:
Other than the fact that both sides have left a lot to be desired in recent fixtures, there’s also the question of Todd Carney’s new Eminem-style haircut, making him stand out for all the wrong reasons against Manly. Carney only put a huge target on his back. Between a mix of a below par performance and his new ‘style’, critics were more than happy to pounce on the enigmatic five-eighth. Why give them added ammunition?
Say What:
“We need to be a lot better. It was embarrassing for us, that first half … (I am) terribly disappointed. As far as energy levels goes, other teams have enthusiasm and we don’t have it week to week,” – Sharks coach Peter Sharp sums up Cronulla’s woes in brutal fashion.
Final Word:
Although the Roosters have had a modest start to the season, they are still a genuine premiership side. The time has come for them to hit their straps and to put it simply; they are too tough for the Sharks. Cronulla’s recent form speaks for itself. Roosters by 18.
Sam Alexander
Find the preview published at http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314075/nrl
What: NRL Round 4
Who: Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters
Result: Manly 8-0
When and Where: Friday, March 28 – Allianz Stadium
Crowd: 14,902
Match Rating: 7/10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
The Eagles have done it again. Not even the loss of enforcer Glenn Stewart could stop the rampaging Sea Eagles who won yet another hard-fought battle. In a game where they dominated possession, with an 11-2 penalty count and 51% off possession, it’s hard to say they didn’t deserve it. The woeful completion rate of 17/33 didn’t offer any help for the Roosters either. It was quite obvious why these two were in the grand final last year, and they picked up where they left off. Roosters fans will feel the refs were against them, and who can blame them, but standout performances from Daly Cherry-Evans and Steve Matai sealed the win.
Who Killed It:
It’s hard to go past Daly Cherry-Evans in this one. His brilliant vision, playmaking and never-say-die attitude has shaped him into the superstar he is today. His desperate try-saving tackle on Boyd Cordner in the fifth minute showed was outstanding and really set the tone for the Manly boys. Matai was also a standout, most notably having a hand in Cheyse Blair’s try in the corner through distributing a brilliant pass for the Extradited Eel to go diving over.
Who Stank It Up:
In a game where his team needed him to stand up, Michael Jennings found himself suffocated out wide. Jennings only made 8 runs for 50 metres. Although he finished with a solid 20 tackles, he didn’t offer that attacking genius he possesses, in which we have seen him tear backlines apart. Roosters’ fans will see the referees as the biggest mishap, but their lack of discipline was ultimately their downfall.
What Do I Need To Know:
One incident led to a huge blow for both sides with a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves high shot on Glenn Stewart landing both influential players in hot water. Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for the shot that left Stewart dazed and requiring medical attention which ultimately led him off the field due to the new concussion guidelines. Given his record, Waerea-Hargreaves could struggle to get out of this one.
Look Up Ahead:
The hot and cold Roosters outfit takes on the Bulldogs, Friday night at home. The Sea Eagles play Wests Tigers in a classic Sunday afternoon fixture at Leichhardt Oval.