Round 6: Roosters Vs Raiders Match Review
Saturday was an important game for the Roosters. A solid display was required after a few weeks of inconsistent form, which is exactly what we got with a comprehensive win and some excellent performances from blokes who needed to stand up and deliver.
The Roosters got off to a solid start, our defence was strong, the forwards in the middle of ruck getting off the line and putting pressure on the ball carrier, which was good to watch. Our starting front rowers, Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Lopini Paea, hit the ball up strongly and lifted their respective games from previous weeks.
Mini got things up and running in the ninth minute, when he showed great speed down the left side before managing to get to a Mitchell Pearce grubber kick that many would not have got to. Todd Carney converted from the sideline, which was no mean feat considering the Raiders supporters standing about 5 metres from his back, giving it to him as he came in to kick the conversation. A big smile on the dial told the story after the conversation sailed over. 6- 0.
The second Roosters try came about 2 minutes later, the Roosters attacked from their own quarter, stringing some nice passes together. Carney, Pearce and Kouparitsas were all involved before a quick play the ball from Mitch Aubbuson saw SKD dummy and go over for our second. Carney converted. 12 – 0.
The third try came in the 27th minute when Todd Carney took on the defensive line from the quarter line, he stepped past three defenders before crashing over and getting the ball down, the conversion took the score to 18 – 0, which was the half time score.
The lead could have been larger with a certain dry bombed by SKD after making a great break down the right flank with a neat in and away, he then proceeded to pass the ball into the turf with three Roosters in support. A certain try bombed. The other incident occurred late in the first half when Mini contested a cross field bomb, only for the ball to come back down to the Roosters and Phil Graham then sneaked over in the corner however the Ref saw it differently and penalised Mini for taking the player out, which was rubbish.
Our forwards really dominated the first half, Nate Myles was outstanding again, his work rate has doubled since last year, his game time has tripled and his attitude and effort are exactly what we need from one of our forward leaders. Another to impress was Aidan Guerra who had been a little quiet since his fantastic debut a few weeks ago. On Saturday night Aidan played the full game, his effort was full of courage, it was great to see this new recruit step up.
Speaking of new recruits, we also saw the debut of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the red, white and blue. Jared was ready to go, he smashed a few blokes in defence, and was belted a few times himself, with a broken nose his reward from ex Rooster Shillington. To his credit Jared Waerea-Hargreaves got straight up and although replaced came back on with some impact runs in the second half. This kid will be a great addition to the Roosters squad.
Is there a tougher, braver half back in the competition better than Mitchell Pearce? This bloke has come of age, 21 years old, over 65 first grade games and now playing like a real leader. Mitchell had three try assist for the game, got knocked out twice but never missed a beat. Surely he is a certainty to be running around for NSW this year.
The second half started with a minor scare for Todd Carney when he appeared to injure his ribs after a solid tackle from a kick return. Todd eventually went off the field in the 50th minute and did not return. He could be missing for a week or longer however the diagnosis was unknown at the time of writing this report.
The Raiders managed to get themselves four penalties on the trot, including a ridiculous penalty for driving a tackled player back into the in goal. The referee stating the penalty was because of “player safety”. That will do me!!!! I think the refs make up reasons for penalties each week, they are a shambles, but that is another topic for another day.
The Roosters opened the scoring in the second half with a neat attacking raid from our left side, some neat passes, a run around or two and Carney strolled over in the corner (in pain) before slotting the goal to make it 24 – 0.
Canberra opened their account in the second half after a kick through from Campo was then kicked by Mini in the in goal area, which bounced back into the hands of the Raiders for a try. Does Mini get a try assist for this effort?? 24 – 6.
At times like this last year the Roosters could have turned it up and the Raiders could have got themselves back into the match however this was not the case with our defence sticking solid. Mitchell Pearce led the way smashing a Canberra player for the ball to be dislodged. Mitchell came up clapping and barking orders at his team, full of passion and the will to win, great to watch!!!!
Mitchell Pearce was involved in the next try with a lovely ball to Nick Kouparitsas, who ran the hole well before crossing untouched. 30 – 6.
The last try scored by the try scoring machine, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, who dropped onto a loose ball, next to the post. 36 – 6.
The win was solid, excellent scoring and solid defence saw an immediate benefit to our for and against, which could count later in the year. Yeh Canberra did not play well but the Chooks did not let them play well.
One player to catch the eye was Sam Brunton, he came on at hooker, was energetic around the dummy half, and his defence was solid. An excellent debut from this young kid who played for 39 minutes, had 40 touches, and made 23 tackles.
An honourable mention to Jason Ryles, welcome back, he did add some starch and control to the middle of the ruck, good to see him back and fired up. We will need him in the weeks to come.
The final score Roosters 36 – Raiders 6
Try scorers – Anthony Minichiello 9 min, Shaun Kenny-Dowall 11min, Todd Carney 27 min, Todd Carney 47 min, Nick Kouparitsas 74 min, Frank-Paul Nuuausala 77 min
Goals – Todd Carney – 4 from 4, Braith 2 from 2.
Roosters Completion Rate 31/40 (78%)
Tackles – Nate Myles – 34, Aidan Guerra 31, Jason Ryles 26
Hit Ups & Runs – Nate Myles 18 (144m), Jason Ryles 14 (116m), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 13 (104m), Aidan Guerra 14 (91m)
Possession – Roosters 53% – Raiders 47%
Bring on St Merge!!!!
