Tri-colours Tame Wounded Panthers

An inspiring 80 minute performance from skipper Craig Fitzgibbon has helped the Sydney Roosters to a solid win 32-12 win over a gutsy Panthers outfit at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight. Fitzgibbon led by example and was suitably aided by his Origin partners in crime - Tupou, Mason and Myles. The Panthers did it tough tonight losing three players to potentially serious injuries.

The Roosters were looking to make amends from the embarrassing loss to the Sea Eagles last week but it was the Panthers that struck first. The Panthers started confidently as they spread the ball out to the right where Panthers centre Tighe went over in the corner with what can only be described as a soft try. Tighe failed to convert his own try from the sideline.

The rapid fire nature of the match early saw the Roosters hit back with the aid of a stripping penalty and some good field position. Hooker James Aubusson took advantage of the slower reactions of Panther props Civoniceva and Puletua, ducking under for a try besides the post. Fitzgibbon