Roosters depth keeps them rolling
Despite missing three of their key players coming up against a Cowboys team on a 4 match winning streak, the Roosters showed the quality of their depth to stage an impressive comeback victory. Down by 10 points at half-time, the Roosters rallied to keep the Cowboys scoreless in the second half and post 16 unanswered points to secure the win.
Connor Watson continued to fill in well at fullback in Michael Gordon’s absence, racking up 248 running metres. Victor Radley played out the whole 80 minutes in what was only his 2nd game of first grade while Ryan Matterson’s efforts made the absence of Cordner barely noticeable.
The real stars of the show though were the Roosters middle men. Isaac Liu and Sio Taukeiaho made a huge difference with their go forward up the middle. Taukeiaho managed to run for 214 metres in just 42 minutes of game time and scored a crucial try as he barged through 3 defenders to plant the ball down.
A tale of two halves
In the first half the Cowboys got the rub of the green. Coen Hess was awarded a contentious try where he went for a signature barge over try on the line and defenders attempted to hold him up. On review footage, there was nothing to say he got it down for certain and it even looked like he might have been held up. However the on-field referee had sent it up as a try and the bunker ruled as having insufficient evidence to overturn it.
Fans on social media erupted, moreso than usual. However Roosters supporters would have had no complaints with the referees as things started to turn in their favour. A sizeable amount of penalties were given to the Roosters in the second half and they ended up winning the penalty count 9-7.
Fans love to complain about the officiating. Sometimes a lot more people should realize that the door swings both ways and you’ve got to move on from the tough calls and keep going. The Roosters moved on from the 50/50 call and made their own luck.
Minor premiership up for grabs while Top 4 spot open for the taking
With the win the Roosters have put themselves into possible contention for the minor premiership. It seems unlikely anyone can put a stop to the Storm with the current form they’re in but securing a top 2 finish for a home final will be of vital importance to the Roosters.
The Cowboys on the other hand, have joined a congested fight for a spot in the Top 4. The season ending injury to Andrew McCullough puts a dent in the Broncos chances while the Eels recent form has suddenly put them in genuine contention for the position.
The boys from Townsville will have a tough run home including facing 3 teams currently in the Top 4. They’ll need to put the disappointment of this week behind them quickly if they’re to secure a spot on the ladder that guarantees them a second chance.
Cowboys continue SFS hoodoo
The Sydney Football Stadium continues to be an unhappy hunting ground for the Cowboys. In the last 10 years they have only been victorious at the ground twice and have only won 6 games there from 23 attempts in their existence as a football club.
Rugby League has a funny way of ensuring that victory is snatched from the grasp of teams on the cusp of breaking an unlucky streak against opponents and venues.
In The Sheds
Victor Radley suffered a broken hand in the 10th minute of play. He played the full game with it regardless. The Roosters are confident he didn’t break it although he did leave the sheds with his thumb in a splint.
Scoreboard
Sydney Roosters- 22
Tries: Latrell Mitchell (3m), Daniel Tupou (44m), Sio Siua Taukeiaho (57m), Luke Keary (61m)
Goals: Latrell Mitchell 2/3
Sio Siua Taukeiaho 1/2
North Queensland Cowboys- 16 http://gty.im/824176920
Tries: Kane Linnett (17m), Kyle Feldt (26m), Coen Hess (32m)
Goals: Ethan Lowe 2/3
