Roosters burst Parramatta’s bubble
By David Beniuk, 1 Aug 2010 David Beniuk is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Jarryd Hayne, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Rugby League, Sydney Roosters, Todd Carney
The Sydney Roosters have proved four playmakers are better than one, bursting Parramatta’s bubble in a red-hot 48-12 thrashing of the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Halves Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce, lock Braith Anasta and fullback Anthony Minichiello – who bagged two tries – ran riot as the Roosters scored eight tries to two and notched their fifth straight NRL win in front of 19,824 fans.
Parramatta’s reliance on Jarryd Hayne was all too evident, with the superstar fullback only able to produce flashes of his best behind a beaten pack in the Jack Gibson Cup clash.
“We’ve probably got a bit more than that in more limited ways I guess,” Roosters coach Brian Smith said of his playmaking stocks.
“Mini’s throwing passes for tries.
“(Last week) that cut-out pass that our new ball-playing fullback-stroke-halfback threw under pressure was an absolute ball-tearer.”
The Roosters had been unable to post back-to back victories since their bright start to the season in rounds one and two, but now find themselves the juggernaut of the competition.
A win over St George Illawarra in next week’s SCG blockbuster could even give them a sniff of the minor premiership.
The Eels had won three straight coming into Saturday night’s game, but could now finish the weekend four points outside the top eight.
The Roosters’ attacking quartet have the side playing a scintillating brand of football, and veteran Minichiello set the tone early by sending a superb ball to a rampaging Mitchell Aubusson in just the sixth minute.
It was then Carney’s turn, a brilliant grubber from 40m out resulting in centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s fifth try in two weeks in the 12th minute.
Pearce laid on the third, a one-handed offload to Minichiello and the Roosters led 18-0 after 21 minutes.
Anasta’s good form also continued and he laid on a late four-pointer for winger Phil Graham’s second.
“When you say four (playmakers), I say nearly 17, the way our blokes are playing,” said Carney, who also booted eight from eight.
“We’re scoring the tries out wide but the set-up work they’re doing for us goes unnoticed and while they keep doing that we’ll keep winning.”
The Hayne Plane hit considerable turbulence as the Eels’ attack faltered, although Hayne did manage a typical solo effort to beat three players to get the Eels on the board in the first half.
“I thought we had a temporary closure of the airport tonight,” Smith quipped.
“But my God he stretched us at every opportunity.”
Eels coach Daniel Anderson said the scoreboard reflected his side’s performance.
“I think we tried to mimic the Roosters but we weren’t as good as them,” he said.
“They beat us to every single play in the game I reckon tonight.”
Smith’s men led 24-12 after the Roosters had out hot-potatoed Parramatta in the first half, scoring four tries to two.
But it was 30-12 three minutes after the break when centre Kane Linnett crossed out wide after Eels half Jeff Robson had fumbled a grubber, and Minichiello, Frank Paul Nuuausala and Graham compounded the embarrassment for the home side.
© AAP 2012Enjoy 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.
The Crowd Says (4) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- Jarryd Hayne, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Rugby League, Sydney Roosters, Todd Carney

westy said | August 1st 2010 @ 1:20pm | Report comment
Saw this game. Excellent spectacle. Pierce and Carney would be close to the best halves combination I have seen in the competition.Kane Linnett was a revelation.
Tom said | August 1st 2010 @ 1:52pm | Report comment
Hopefully this will put an end to all this Hayne plane/train/automobile nonsense…but I doubt it.
James said | August 1st 2010 @ 2:11pm | Report comment
As an Eels fan………OUCH! Copped a belting. But oh well, shake it off and get ready for Titans this friday night.
Credit where its due, The Roosters are ON FIRE and would have to be considered the best team in the league right now.
Carney and Pearce should give QLD a run for their money next year. Love watching these two play.
Congrats Chookies….now my Eels need to pick themselves up and get back on track.
James said | August 1st 2010 @ 2:17pm | Report comment
Also, im predicting Todd Carney will inherit the Australian #6 jersey after Locky retires.