Sydney Roosters have cemented their Top 4 position on the NRL ladder after they thrashed Parramatta by 38-14 at Allianz Stadium tonight.
Skipper James Tedesco was the star for the home side scoring a try and having a hand in several others in a top shelf performance from the incumbent Australian fullback.
The home side were relentless, with an ill-disciplined Eels side losing two players to the Sin Bin early in both halves, with the Roosters making them pay running in multiple tries on both occasions. England winger Dominic Young scored a hat-trick following his return from injury, with halfback Sam Walker and backrower Angus Crichton also having strong games for the Tricolours.
Despite a strong performance last week against Penrith, the Eels simply looked tired and were simply out enthused by a relentless Roosters outfit in a disappointing performance from Trent Barrett's men.
The game commenced in wet conditions following a downpour of rain pre-match. The Roosters failed to adjust early, making several handling errors including from Roosters prop Spencer Leniu from the kick-off
Leniu managed to redeem himself, when he dived over for the first try of the night following a flat pass from Brandon Smith at dummy half which gave the Chooks an early lead.Things got rocky for Parramatta moments later, when prop Wiremu Greig was sent to the Sin Bin for a clumsy high shot on Connor Watson. Down an extra man, the Chooks took advantage almost immediately as Tedesco and Manu combined to put Dominic Young over in the corner.
This passage of play was followed up with two more tries in quick succession, firstly from Daniel Tupou who trampled over three Eels defenders to score a superb try. James Tedesco then sliced through some passive defence to run sixty metres to score under the posts to make it try number four for the Roosters and an ominous 24-0 lead.
Parramatta then managed to crash over for their first try of the night through interchange backrower Kelma Tuilagi to give the visitors some hope heading into halftime.
Following the break, it was deja vu for the Eels as Brendan Hands found himself in the Sin Bin for laying all over the player in the tackle.
Again, it was Dominic Young who crashed over for his second try following some quick hands from James Tedesco and this was followed up by a classy try to Sitili Tupouniua in his 100th game for the Roosters, following a neat chip kick from Sam Walker.
Young then completed his hat trick, as again Tedesco and Manu provided beautiful service for the rangy winger out wide.
Parramatta then had an opportunity against 12 men late in the match, when Roosters interchange player Naufahu Whyte was sent to the Sin Bin. The Eels took full advantage moments later when Sean Russell slid over for a try in the corner following a deft pass from Viliami Penisini. Eels hooker Joey Lussick then darted out of dummy half for a late consolation try for Parramatta to narrow the scoreline to 38-14 at fulltime.
The Roosters now head to the Gold Coast next Sunday, where they will face the Titans as they look to lock up their spot in the Top 4. Parramatta also head to Queensland, where they will face a desperate Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.