Roosters penalise attitude not referee

 

Roar Guru

By Alan Nicolea, 12 Aug 2008 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru

Tagged:

 Brad Fittler, Krisnan Inu, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle, Newcastle Knights, NRL, Parramatta, Roosters, Rugby League, Sonny Bill Williams, Storm, Sydney, Sydney Roosters

• Tweet this
• Email to friend

5 Have your say

Brad Fittler’s aura as the nice guy was put to the test on Sunday afternoon. He was not angry at his own team’s performance, he was just frustrated at referee Jared Maxwell.

Maxwell blew seven penalties against the Roosters in a game that was critical to their chances of securing a home semi-final.

In the end Krisnan Inu’s flawless penalty kicking proved the difference as Parramatta kept their season alive with a 28-24 win.

While the Roosters once again displayed the inconsistencies that plague their game, Maxwell’s decisions on the field did little to cool Fitter’s fire.

His side had to wait until the 57th minute to hear the whistle go in their favour. A Bronx cheer around the Sydney Football stadium soon followed.

Even Roosters captain Craig Fitzgibbon – who is probably up there with the most respected players in the NRL – was left dazzled by Maxwell’s consistency to punish his side for repeated infringements around the dummy half area.

“We can’t be that bad,” Fitzgibbon yelled.

Although Fitzy may have a point against Maxwell’s performance, he may struggle to find one regarding his sides’ constant inability to win the games that they should.

Unlike Melbourne and Manly – who remain the frontrunners to contest this year’s Grand Final – the Roosters are yet to raise to the gears they need to challenge for their first premiership since 2002.

Although their football has improved tenfold since last year, Brad Fittler’s men must challenge themselves to find the consistency that will allow them to kill off opponents that are experiencing difficult times.

They must learn to twist the blade, keep the foot on the throat … call it whatever you want. The Roosters must find a way to dispose of teams with no mercy.

After their loss to the Eels, the Roosters must now fly to the graveyard of league in Australia, to face the Melbourne Storm, who themselves are coming off a terrific win over Manly.

The Roosters will get the test they need against arguably the most clinical side in the NRL these past couple of years.

Love this article? Nominate it for The Roar’s Armchair Sports Writer Award. Or vote now for this week’s nominated articles.

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.