Roosters sparkle in classy bounce back to thump Raiders
Sebastian Tan |
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and hooker Reece Robson have made triumphant returns from their hospital visits to power the Sydney Roosters to a rousing 26-0 victory against Canberra.
After a glittering start to their NRL season, the Roosters’ star-studded side were held to a mere 16 points in the past two rounds, raising questions over their premiership credentials.
But Trent Robinson’s men (8-4) showed that they shouldn’t be ruled out as they transformed from their error-riddled performance against Melbourne at a nippy GIO Stadium on Friday.
Nawaqanitawase’s three tries, 164 run metres, and eight tackle busts proved crucial, providing a timely reminder for NSW coach Laurie Daley of why he deserves a spot on the team for State of Origin game two on June 17 after his series opener hopes were dashed by an ankle injury that required surgery in May.
It wasn’t just Nawaqanitawase who dazzled as halves combination Sam Walker, with three try assists, and Daly Cherry-Evans were typically inspirational to help the Roosters ease to victory.
“I thought it was the best combination those two have had this year, and they complemented the kicking game with the defensive effort,” Robinson said.
But the Roosters coach had the highest praise for Robson, who scored a try and was his usual busy defensive self, despite the distractions of the birth of his son on Wednesday.
“I actually spoke to him yesterday, because he hadn’t slept at all on Wednesday night, and then came in to train, and I was sort of ready to say ‘don’t play’,” Robinson said.
“He really wanted to get out there, and so he stayed the night last night in hospital and came down this morning.”
Coach Ricky Stuart has been critical of his team’s ill-discipline across their campaign, and the Raiders’ crucial first-half errors will only compound his discontent.
The minor premiers (5-8) looked a shadow of themselves as they were held scoreless for the first time in two years, dealing another blow to their finals hopes as they sit two wins adrift of the top eight.
Stuart wouldn’t be drawn on the Raiders’ 13th-place position but, in a short and sharp press conference, stated bluntly that the Tri-colours had “too much class for us”.
Nawaqanitawase drew first blood when the Roosters shifted right and found the diving winger before Billy Smith broke down the left edge and handed it off to a running Hugo Savala.
Nawaqanitawase crossed for his second when Robert Toia desperately slapped back a kick into play, and the winger flopped onto the ball.
Three minutes later, Robson burrowed over to help the visitors lead 22-0 at the break.
Nawaqanitawase wrestled over in the 48th minute, before the Roosters’ faithful erupted in their own rendition of Canberra’s Viking clap to celebrate the win.
AAP