Roosters open NRLW with surprise victory

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Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons

The Sydney Roosters have opened the 2020 NRLW season surprising everyone with an 18-4 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The pre-season competition favourites, the Dragons looked off the mark from the get go when the Roosters were able to open the scoring after just two minutes when Nita Maynard took advantage of split markers to dive over out of dummy half.

Neither side could control the ball in the next few minutes and it was the Dragons who took advantage when the Roosters defence jammed in and Sam Bremner saw the space on the outside when she floated a rainbow pass out to Tiana Penitani who scored in the corner.

Discipline wasn't a strong suit for the Dragons and the ill-discipline came back to hurt them when Quincy Dodd was given the green lights for her effort out of dummy half after referee Liam Kennedy wanted to make sure there was no obstructions.

The injuries continued to mount for the Dragons as Jess Sergis suffered an ankle injury, thankfully she continued to play for the Dragons although both Shakiah Tungai and Kezie Apps left the field for HIA's. The Red ‘V' crossed the line for a second time but were denied by the whistle of referee Liam Kennedy who had penalised the Roosters for an infringement in the ruck.

A successful challenge from the Roosters saw Zahara Temara add a penalty goal for them to extend their lead out to 14-4 before some Rugby 7s style ingenuity from Charlotte Caslick kept the ball alive, sending Corban McGregor on the outside to score in the corner.

The Dragons had a late chance to add a try to close the gap but couldn't make their chances count again. The two sides have a wait to see who they will play next weekend and where the games are with a likely trip to Brisbane.