Roosters too strong as Bulldogs struggle without Graham

A dominant performance from the Sydney Roosters has seen them run out 24-10 winners over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in front of 17,093 fans at ANZ Stadium.

With so much hype surrounding the battle of the halves, both sides started strongly in the blockbuster Friday night encounter.

With James Graham returning from suspension following his Good Friday blow up, the Bulldogs started the game full of intensity which resulted in early points.

In the 8th minute, a fantastic pass from Frank Pritchard set up prolific try-scoring winger Curtis Rona, who touched down for his 11th try of the year.

After taking the lead early on, the first half turned into a dogfight, with both sides going blow for blow, but unable to cross the line, despite the Roosters dominating possession.

The turning point of the match occurred in the 28th minute when Bulldogs captain came into contact with the hip of Aidan Guerra, ruling him out of the match with concussion.

Without their leader, the Bulldogs conceded a pair of tries late in first half through Daniel Tupou (35th minute) and Roger Tuivasa-Scheck (38th minute) to take a 10-4 lead into the halftime break.

While both sides continued with the same intensity throughout the second half, the Roosters broke away with 20 minutes remaining through a try to Mitchell Aubusson, backing up from a bomb allowed to bounce by Sam Perrett.

With eight minutes remaining, the Roosters sealed the game through a tremendous pass from Jake Friend to put Aidan Guerra under the posts, before a late try to Moses Mbye (78th minute) rounded out the scoring, leaving the Roosters to run out 24-10 winners.

For the Roosters, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck was a standout in attack, making close to 300 metres and crossing for a crucial try on halftime, while Jake Friend and Aidan Guerra worked tirelessly in defence and with the ball in hand.

For the Bulldogs, the loss of James Graham cruelled their chances of winning, but yet another below-par performance from Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson proved costly in a move that will likely see them lose their Origin positions.

With the shortened round next week, the Bulldogs will travel to Canberra to take on the resurgent Raiders on Sunday afternoon, while the Roosters will have the opportunity to recover with the bye.

Match Details

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10 Sydney Roosters 24
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Crowd: 17093
Halftime Score: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 4 Sydney Roosters 10

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (10)
Tries: Curtis Rona, Moses Mbye
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (1/2)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (24)
Tries: Daniel Tupou, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Mitchell Aubusson, Aidan Guerra
Conversions: James Maloney (3/4)
Penalty Goals: James Maloney (1/1)

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2 points - Jake Friend
1 point - Aidan Guerra

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Welcome to League Unlimited's coverage of Round 10 Friday Night Football. Tonight we have a blockbuster between former Grand Final foes the Bulldogs and the Roosters from ANZ Stadium.

Canterbury have made a few positional changes with Moses Mbye coming into the side in place of Chase Stanley; Frank Pritchard starting for Tony Williams and David Klemmer coming onto the bench.

Roosters will be 1-17.

The hype surrounding this match has been centred on which halves will be in the NSW side: will it be the incumbent, but out of form Bulldogs pairing of Hodkinson and Reynolds or the premiership winning duo of Pearce and Maloney.

The last time these sides met, the Roosters downed an Origin depleted Bulldogs side by 32-12, with Mitchell Pearce playing a leading role.

The other big match-up tonight will be Josh Jackson up against Boyd Cordner. With Paul Gallen ruled out, there is a position vacant in the NSW second-row. Whoever stands up may well find themselves in the Blues team for Game One.

Amidst all the debate surrounding the halves, the Bulldogs will be boosted by the return of captain James Graham from suspension. After missing the past four games, Graham will be a major boost for the Bulldogs.

Kick-off only minutes away, I'm expecting the Roosters to get up in this one, but just like they did in the 1980 and 2004 Grand Finals, the Bulldogs are capable of pulling off a win in big games.

Sam Moa takes the first run of the night.

Aidan Guerra appears a touch dazed, but is staying on.

1: Pearce bombs, but Corey Thompson cleans up on his 20 metre line.

1: Hodkinson kicks out on the full. Roosters to start their set inside the Bulldogs 40.

2: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck earns a penalty right in front of the posts.

3: Mitchell Pearce takes on the line, but loses possession. Jake Friend and Josh Reynolds have responded aggressively.

4: Bulldogs look to gain some ground through Moses Mbye who take the Bulldogs over halfway.

5: Mybe runs and kicks to Roger Tuivasa-Scheck. Roosters with the ball.

5: Jake Friend looks for a 40/20, but Sam Perrett is able to clean up.

6: Penalty Bulldogs. Hodkinson finds touch near halfway.

6: Bulldogs try some quick passes which are shut down by the Roosters defence.

7: Reynolds grubbers in-goal, earning a repeat set by trapping Daniel Tupou with help from Corey Thompson.

8: Great work from the Bulldogs sees Curtis Rona tackled a metre out from the try-line.

8: Frank Pritchard gets a great ball away to Curtis Rona for a possible try. Checking obstruction, but it looks as though Rona is in for the first try once again.

8: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Curtis Rona. Kick to come.
He's done it again. Rona scores. Bulldogs 4-0.

10: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson unsuccessful.
Hodkinson pushes the kick right. No goal.

11: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck tries to step through the Bulldogs, but to no avail.

12: Great run from Waerea-Hargreaves gets an offload away.

12: Bulldogs come up with the ball and earn a penalty.

13: Josh Reynolds take on the line inside the Roosters 20.

14: Daniel Tupou takes Hodkinson's bomb with ease. Roosters on the attack.

15: A forward pass from Moses Mbye is pulled up. Roosters scrum on halfway.

16: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck almost gets through the Bulldogs line to score.

17: Great work from Corey Thompson to beat Daniel Tupou to the ball and make a 40 metre bust.

17: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck catches Hodkinson's bomb who was smashed by Waerea-Hargreaves after kicking.

18: Penalty to Roosters.

18: This has been fantastic so far. Great intensity game.

18: Penalty to Roosters 25 out from the Bulldogs line.

19: Maloney loses the ball, but Moses Mbye touches the ball. Roosters scrum.

19: Sam Kasiano about to come on.

20: Possible obstruction on a Roger Tuivasa-Scheck run. Referee has ruled Try, but Frank Pritchard has been denied an opportunity to make a tackle.

20: No Try. Obstruction against the Roosters. Bulldogs penalty.

21: Josh Jackson loses the ball which is promptly picked up by Michael Jennings.

22: Referee has ruled No Try against Mitchell Aubusson. It doesn't look as though the Roosters centre has grounded the ball, but they're checking how the game will re-start.

22: No Try. Roosters with a set of six inside the Bulldogs 20.

22: Pearce takes on the line but is tackled by Kasiano.

22: Josh Morris is taken on the 30 metre line, but Jake Friend may have scored.

22: Friend loses the ball short of the line. We're awaiting video confirmation of a No Try.

22: No Try. Double knock-on. Bulldogs scrum 10 metres out.

22: Good shot from Waerea-Hargeaves on Kasiano.

23: Mbye kicks on the last, but it's taken by Roger Tuivasa-Scheck.

24: Mitchell Pearce bombs, but it proves no problem for Curtis Rona.

26: Roosters get a penalty on halfway.

27: Dylan Napa takes the Roosters within 20 metres.

27: James Graham is down after coming into contact with Aidan Guerra's hip.

27: James Graham still down, being attended to by the Bulldogs trainers.

27: Graham being assisted off. Almost certain to be ruled out.

27: Friend loses the ball on the last at the play the ball, which is compounded by a penalty to Canterbury.

28: After an energetic start, this game has hit something of a rut. Both sides competitive but lacking a spark.

29: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck makes a 60 metre run to bring the game to life.

29: Roosters up to the Bulldogs 20.

29: Maloney's grubber earns the Roosters a line drop-out.

30: Maloney's pass to Dylan Napa from the re-start looked forward, but play on.

31: Taukeiaho is tackled close to the line after some great passing from the Roosters.

32: Hodkinson cleans up Jennings' kick to relieve the pressure.

34: Somehow the Roosters have come up with a line drop-out after a bizarre last tackle kick.

35: TRY SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Scored by Daniel Tupou. Kick to come.
After a hat-trick last week, Tupou scores the Roosters first after a great Jake Friend ball.

36: Put that try down to Jake Friend out of dummy half.

36: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Conversion attempt by James Maloney unsuccessful.
From close to the touchline, Maloney hits the posts. Scores are tied at 4-all approaching half time.

37: Kane Evans is awarded a penalty. Roosters to start a set inside the Bulldogs 40 metres.

38: Pearce puts Cordner into a gap which is quickly closed.

38: TRY SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Scored by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Kick to come.
After earlier being denied, the #1 uses his pace to touch down.

39: Big try from Roger Tuivasa-Scheck, after trailing by 4 only moments ago, the Roosters have the chance to take a converted try lead into the break.

40: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Conversion attempt by James Maloney successful.
The Roosters take the lead into the change of ends.

40: Neither side has been able to dominate the match, but the loss of James Graham has definitely hurt the Bulldogs.

40: So far Mitchell Pearce has been the most impressive of the halves, but the other contenders will have the next 40 minutes to stake their case for an Origin jersey.

40: The Roosters weight of possession (58%) finally tolled on the Bulldogs. In the first half, the Roosters have been inside the opposition 20 on 26 tackles, while the Bulldogs have managed only 7 tackles.

40: So far, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck has run for 174 metres, made 2 line-breaks and scored a try in a phenomenal performance. While Dylan Napa has been strong off the bench running for over 100 metres.

40: For the Bulldogs, David Klemmer has been solid off the bench to press his case for an Origin berth.

40: James Graham has been ruled out with concussion, as Sam Kasiano take the first run of the second half.

40: Michael Lichaa loses the ball. Big chance for the Roosters early.

42: Sam Perrett is on the spot to clean up for the Bulldogs.

43: Hodkinson looks for a 40/20, but Kenny-Dowall takes it with ease.

43: Kane Evans elects to kick, poor decision from the Fijian/City front rower.

45: Josh Morris knocks on during a Bulldogs attacking raid.

47: Tuivasa-Scheck sets up Aubusson, but the Bulldogs are able to shut it down.

48: Turnover to the Roosters. Loose pass from the Bulldogs gifting possession.

49: Kenny-Dowall tries to latch on to Maloney's chip, but knocks on.

50: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck grounds Trent Hodkinson's grubber to make play resume with a line drop-out.

52: Greg Eastwood puts in a terrible kick that almost comes up with a result.

53: Sam Moa and Isaac Liu are back on for the Roosters. If they can be the next to score, they'll be close to securing the win.

54: After a series of ricochets, the Roosters come up with the ball.

54: Jennings is forced into touch. Canterbury with a chance to get back in the match.

55: Corey Thompson dives for the line but is pushed by Tupou into touch.

56: Had Thompson avoided the push, he would've been over for a try.

57: Jackson Hastings on for Jake Friend, this may be a massive change for both sides.

57: Jennings is forced into touch short of the line. Great work from the Roosters to put Jennings away, but equally good defence from 3 Bulldogs defenders.

59: Terrible kick from Josh Reynolds right to Daniel Tupou. The Bulldogs are somehow in this game, despite the intensity of the Roosters.

59: The Roosters have been awarded a penalty from 30 metres out. Maloney elects to take the two.

61: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Penalty goal attempt by James Maloney successful.
From right in front, the Roosters go out to an 8 point lead.

62: TRY SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Scored by Mitchell Aubusson. Kick to come.
Brilliant set from the Roosters. Sam Perrett allows the ball to bounce and the Chooks are over.

63: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Conversion attempt by James Maloney successful.
This lead may prove to much for the Bulldogs now.

65: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck drops the ball allowing Canterbury an opportunity to hit back.

67: Great work from Mitchell Aubusson cuts down Josh Morris as the Roosters come away with the ball once again.

67: Ever since James Graham came off, the Roosters have dominated.

69: Another terrible end of to a set from Canterbury. If this was the test for NSW halves, expect Pearce and Maloney to be the 7 and 6 for Game One.

70: Forward pass from the Bulldogs inside their half. If the Roosters can score here, it'll be Game, Set, Match.

71: Great legs tackle from Josh Jackson.

71: Waerea-Hargreaves is pulled down close to the line.

72: TRY SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Scored by Aidan Guerra. Kick to come.
That's it. Guerra scores off a terrific Jake Friend pass to win the game for the Roosters.

73: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Conversion attempt by James Maloney successful.
From right in-front, the Roosters will win.

75: Pearce bombs, Maloney puts in another kick, Guerra puts in a kick and Shaun Kenny-Dowall may have scored one of the greatest tries in over 100 years of Rugby League.

75: That was amazing. If Kenny-Dowall has scored this, the Roosters have produced the try of the year. Try of the decade. BEST TRY OF ALL TIME!! WOW!

75: It'll be criminal if this is denied.

75: Oh no!! Kenny-Dowall has knocked on in attempting to ground the ball.

75: No Try. It's a shame he didn't get it down.

75: Curtis Rona drops the ball trying to make a bust. It just hasn't been the Bulldogs night.

75: Double knock on. Bulldogs to get the scrum.

78: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Moses Mbye. Kick to come.
After a ricochet, Josh Reynolds elects to kick ahead for his centre. Great try, but too late for the Dogs.

78: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
From in-front, Hodkinson adds the extras.

79: Frank Pritchard looks to find Sam Kasiano, but the ball goes to ground.

80: The Roosters are deserved winners, running out 24-10 victors.