Pearce stars, but Bulldogs prove too good

v BYE

The Bulldogs have outlasted the Sydney Roosters in a tight 24-20 affair, played before 7,741 fans at Allianz Stadium.

While the end scoreline suggests a tight contest, the Roosters will be left to rue a number of missed chances that would have seen them come out on top.

Having dominated Brisbane last week, the Bulldogs found themselves under pressure early, as the Roosters launched a forward onslaught early on.

As a result of their initial dominance, the Roosters were able to post points courtesy of a sensational try from Daniel Tupou in the seventh minute. Replicating his Grand Final theatrics from 2013, Tupou leapt high above the Bulldogs defence following a superb crossfield kick from returning halfback Mitchell Pearce.

Extending their lead through a penalty goal, Pearce played a role in the Roosters second try, chiming in with a well-timed offload to send speedster Latrell Mitchell on a slashing run to touchdown in the 22nd minute.

With a 12-0 lead established the home side appeared in control of the match, however the injection of Canterbury interchange forwards Tony Williams and Sam Kasiano changed the momentum of the match for the visitors.

With fast play the balls giving the likes of Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds room to move, the Bulldogs opened their account through Curtis Rona in the 27th minute, following a strong run by Brett Morris in the lead-up.

Following a string of penalties, the Bulldogs leveled the scores moments later after a well-worked play saw Brett Morris touchdown in just his second game back from injury.

Having allowed the visitors back into the contest, the Roosters were left to rue further missed scoring opportunities, as a dropped ball by Tupou with the line open and a wayward field goal attempt from Pearce saw both sides locked at 12-all at halftime.

Needing to bounce back from the Bulldogs strong finish, the Roosters added a penalty goal shorty after halftime and looked to extend their lead further, but a dropped offload by Jake Friend allowed the Bulldogs to take control.

Taking the lead for the first time in the 55th minute through Josh Jackson, the Bulldogs extended their lead further when Brett Morris took his tally to five tries in two games minutes later.

With a comfortable lead in hand the Bulldogs maintained control for the remainder of the match, as the Roosters saw another try go begging through a forward pass from Shaun Kenny-Dowall to Blake Ferguson.

Having seen three tries go by the wayside, the Roosters finally cracked the Bulldogs just before fulltime after Mitchell Pearce sent Dale Copley into space, who linked up with Daniel Tupou for his second try.

Despite their best efforts the Roosters were unable to come up with a miracle finish, allowing the Bulldogs to move into the top four.

In a disappointing night for the Roosters, Mitchell Pearce was superb in his return from injury, playing a role in all three tries as well as producing one of the finest cover tackles since Scott Sattler to run down Brett Morris. Furthermore, Latrell Mitchell looks set to spend time on the sidelines having sustained a leg injury in the second half.

The win marked a memorable night for Bulldogs winger Sam Perrett, who celebrated his 250th appearance in the NRL. Having debuted with the Roosters in 2004, both sides acknowledged his milestone at the conclusion of the match.

Next week, the Roosters face the Eels at Pirtek Stadium on Friday night, while the Bulldogs will be without their Origin stars as they take on the Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.