Roosters topple stray Dogs

The Sydney Roosters have claimed top spot on the NRL ladder tonight after overwhelming a dejected Bulldogs side in a 24-14 win at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Minus six of their star players due to Origin and down 10 points to four at the break, the Roosters pushed on to score four tries to the Dogs one in the second half.

With chief playmaker Mitchell Pierce absent, stand in Roosters halfback James Aubasson had a solid game in directing his side around the park.

Tries to an impressive Amos Roberts and strong Setamata Sa within the space of minutes practically sealed the win for the tri-colours late in the last stanza, while a 75th minute consolation try to Bulldog Tim Winitana came all to late for his side.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Hazam El Masri who also converted his own four pointer. It came about off a magnificent piece of football from Sonny Bill Williams, who gave off a superb offload to El Masri down the short side for the try.

The next points then didn