Sydney Roosters picked up their first points of the 2023 season after a 20-12 win over New Zealand Warriors in front of 16,267 fans at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Roosters showed in flashes the form of the side which was tipped for big things this season. Sam Walker led the side around well with a four-pointer and a few try assists in a solid win for the tri colours.
It was a hot afternoon in Sydney, and the action was fast from the start. Roosters looked to rebound after their shock loss against the Dolphins while the Warriors aimed to continue their strong start to the season.
The Roosters were the first side to find the scoreboard. It was a simple exchange of passes on the right before Jaxson Paulo dived over the corner and Sam Walker converted to make it 6-0.
A quick series of whistles gave the Roosters the chance to extend their lead to eight. Walker again stepped up, he piloted through the goal for an 8-0 lead as the teams headed for the drinks break.
Warriors settled into the game and got some field position. They strung a lovely sequence of passes together of their own, with Shaun Johnson sending over Wayde Egan to make it 8-6.
The second half started with a few errors from both sides but once it got going, the Roosters struck again. This time, Joey Manu was the architect and Paulo collected a double.
Roosters found their rhythm and started to cut open the Warriors defense. James Tedesco almost strode away from a Walker bust but spilled it. Minutes later, Luke Keary sent Joseph Suaalii through and he send Walker across for the 18-6 lead.
The visitors weren't ready to have the sun set on their chase for two points. Marata Niukore sliced through then found forward partner Addin Fonua-Blake to get them back within six.
Once the Warriors were back within six, they had some chances to level up. Dylan Walker kicked one dead and spilled the ball in good field position alongside a grave error of no getting to the play the ball for the Warriors.
Roosters finished off the game with another two points. An escort penalty from a possible try-scoring position saw Walker step up, he made it 20-12 and get the Roosters their first win of the 2023 season.