Roosters start slow but find their crow

Embed from Getty Images

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers

The Sydney Roosters have kept their outside chances of finals alive with a 32-8 win over the Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium.

Things started brightly for the Tigers as they opened the scoring in the seventh minute when with crisp hands they spread the ball right and in game two, Triston Reilly was able to get his first NRL try. Koroisau converted for a 6-0 lead.

Sam Walker was able to dart through some soft defence from the Tigers as he couldn't be stopped from close range and after the Suaalii conversion the sides were locked up at 6-6. The Tigers and Roosters then matched each other with penalty goals to level the scores at 8-8.

A late try to the Roosters just shy of the half-time break gave them a 14-8 lead when Daniel Tupou went over in the corner after the Tricolours shifted the ball and the Tigers defence was left in two minds what to do and Joseph-Aukuso Sualii converted from wide out.

The second half was all Red, Blue and White as the Roosters dominated with three unanswered tries in the 40 minutes. Roosters forward Terrell May went over from close range as the field position favoured the home side and May had too much power to be stopped.

Some poor defence again from the Tigers hurt them as Joseph-Aukuso Suallii went through after he was allowed to run and brush through some soft defence to score. The Roosters youngster converted his own try to extend the lead to 26-8.

Victor Radley was able to pounce on some skill and luck off a Luke Keary kick as his kick to the in-goal came off the upright and despite the presence of Tigers defenders, the deflection favoured Radley.

The 32-8 win for the Roosters didn't come without major issues though with Sam Walker, Victor Radley and Billy Smith all failing to finish the game after coming off through the HIA system whilst Jared Warea-Hargreaves was sent to the sin bin for a high shot and was placed on report for that and a headbutt.

The Roosters have a big potential top 8 deciding contest against arch-rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs as the Tigers finish their season with a clash against Manly.