Undermanned Roosters stand up against Toothless Cronulla

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Sydney Roosters v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

It wasn't hard to find toothless sharks around Brisbane Water although they turned up on land as the Cronulla Sharks were meek against an understrength Sydney Roosters who picked up a 42-16 win in Gosford.

The Roosters started the game very quickly and had all the momentum as Daniel Tupou picked up the first two tries for the Tricolours as both tries came off the back of two pinpoint kicks from Hugo Savala out to his winger and Tupou was able to get over Mawene Hiroti. The two converted tries were split by a Sandon Smith penalty goal helping Easts to a 14-0 lead.

After fifteen minutes the scoreboard was beating the clock as Cam McInnes slid through some soft Roosters defence to score under the posts and the margin was cut to just eight points.

The Roosters hit back ten minutes later when Hugo Savala was on the end of some magic from James Tedesco who pulled off a flick pass to send his young half into score. The aftermath of the try rubbed salt into the wounds for Cronulla with Ronaldo Mulitalo sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Mark Nawaqanitawase in the lead-up to the try.

Despite points flowing in the first 25 minutes of the half, the points dried up from that point and the Roosters lead 20-6 at the break.

The Roosters picked up first points in the second half when Mark Nawaqanitawase was able to get over the line. Sandon Smith converted for a 26-6 lead. The Roosters soon after added to their lead when debutant Xavier Va'a crossed for his maiden NRL try in front of his fan group. The conversion pushed the Roosters bout to a 32-6 lead.

On the hour mark, KL Iro gave the Sharks hope of a comeback when he went through some soft defence. The Sharks had the momentum when Ronaldo Mulitalo got over inside the final 15 minutes giving the Roosters a few nervous moments even with a 16 point margin. 

The Roosters though saw off the challenge from the Sharks with two tries inside the final four minutes when James Tedesco and Dom Young picked up tries. Sandon Smith kicked one of his two conversion attempts which sealed the impressive 42=16 win.

Next week, the Roosters head back to Allianz Stadium for a clash against the Canberra Raiders whilst the Sharks have a bye before facing the New Zealand Warriors.