Roosters outmuscle Broncos in low-scoring contest

The Sydney Roosters have put in a herculean defensive effort to overcome the Brisbane Broncos 8-0 tonight at Allianz Stadium in front of just over 13,000 fans.

It took more than half an hour for either side to trouble the scorers, James Maloney scoring the game's only try from a neat Sonny Bill Williams offload in the 31st minute. The Roosters' try was in stark contrast to the remainder of the half and indeed the game, with the Broncos dominating possession and field position but failing to execute on each and every occasion.

The second half was more of the same for the Brisbane side, with plenty of ball in key areas but last tackle options and line-running amounting to very little apart from an inability to cross the goal-line.

The Roosters took advantage in the 55th minute when awarded a rare penalty near the Broncos line, Maloney adding the two points for an 8-point lead.

Allianz Stadium's scoreboard attendant wasn't troubled again, with the Roosters also struggling to finish off several scoring plays - Sonny Bill spilling it close to the line on a couple of occasions, and plenty of balls into touch from players like Michael Jennings and even on a couple of occasions from Brisbane as well.

A highlight of the game was the Roosters' defensive effort, which enabled them to keep the Broncos scoreless - a feat last achieved by the Cowboys last year. Next week the Roosters host the Eels at Allianz Stadium on Easter Monday, while the Broncos will be dreading a Good Friday night showdown with the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.