All the talk coming out of the Roosters one-point win over the Bulldogs will revolve around James Tedesco. The Blues and Kangaroos captain rebounded from a horror Wednesday night to cross for a double in a best on ground performance to lead his side to a 25-24 win.
On a beautiful afternoon in Gosford it was the away side in the Bulldogs who emerged quickest out of the gates. A 14th minute try to Tevita Panjai Jr was backed up in the very next set by a brilliant try to Reed Mahoney.
The lead wouldn't last long as the Roosters went "bang, bang!" in the 19th and 23rd minute through James Tedesco. Teddy could have had a first half hat-trick if not for a misguided decoy run from Joey Manu.
With Reed Mahoney ruled out via a failed HIA at halftime, it looked like a difficult task for the Doggies.
Someone obviously forgot to tell the blue and whites as Josh Addo Carr ran 80 metres from a scrum play very early in the second half. The ease in which he blew Joseph Suaalii away was a sight to behold.
Junior Pauga's first try for the Roosters, and second in the NRL, capped off a brilliant play that heavily involved James Tedesco.
Again the lead wouldn't last long with Matt Burton's pinpoint kick finding Josh Addo-Carr for his second try of the afternoon. Burton would convert and end the day a perfect 4/4 from the kicking tee.
James Tedesco was again heavily involved in a short-side play that saw Joseph Suaalii score. Suaalii, also 4/4 would ensure a fantastic finish.
The Roosters were super professional in setting up an easy-as-you-like field goal from Luke Keary in the 75th minute. It would be the first time the Roosters would lead, and ultimately the last point scored.
Unfortunately the Dogs were unable to make the most of a few chances and would fall short.
A brilliant game of footy on the Central Coast and two very important competition points for the Roosters.