A high-scoring contest saw the Bulldogs prevail 32-20 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Bulldogs raced out to an 18-nil lead and they sealed the deal in the second half despite some flashes of attacking brilliance by the Roosters.
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Sydney’s handling was once again below par as they regularly shot themselves in the foot. The Bulldogs meanwhile have their own issues in attack but they played by far the more solid footy today and deserve their win.
Josh Reynolds has put in an impressive late bid for a NSW State of Origin berth, scoring a stunning individual try in the 34th minute to put the Bulldogs well and truly in control of the contest at 18-0.
The Blues hopeful enjoyed a good allround game throughout including his kicking and in defence, as the Dogs claimed successive NRL wins for just the second time this season at ANZ Stadium on Sunday before 17,704 fans.
NSW coach Laurie Daley chooses his side for Origin I on Monday and Reynolds’ effort should ensure his inclusion will be debated at the Blues selection table.
Reynolds’ try added to earlier efforts from stand-in winger Tyrone Phillips, who scored three for the match.
The Roosters rallied late in the first half, after making a number of errors in the first 30 minutes.
They scored two tries in five minutes through Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell, who was the Roosters’ best, for a halftime score of 18-10.
A Curtis Rona try in the 47th minute gave momentum back to the Dogs.
The Roosters then had two tries disallowed before Mitchell grabbed his second in the 69th minute.
Phillips scored his third in the 72nd minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Ryan Matterson scored a consolation try for the Roosters in the 78th minute.
Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for dangerous contact for a tackle on Moses Mbye in the 42nd minute.
Bulldogs prop Sam Kasiano went off with concussion in the first half and didn’t return.
His teammate Tim Browne also suffered concussion in the second half and didn’t get back on the field.
Canterbury were again without Will Hopoate who sat out the match due to his religious beliefs.
Mitchell Pearce tried hard but struggled to spark the Roosters side and probably hasn’t done enough to force his way into the NSW side for Origin I on June 1.
The Roosters need to win 10 of their last 13 games to make the finals.
Final score
Bulldogs 32
Roosters 20
The Roar’s NRL MVP votes
3: David Klemmer – Made over 200 metres today as he led from the front yet again. Great performance.
2: Josh Reynolds – Always at the heart of the Bulldogs best attacking plays. His energy summed up with a great individual try in the first half.
1: Latrell Mitchell – Scored a double and always looked dangerous when in possession. Could have had a hat-trick. If he keeps his head, he may become one of the most dominant players in the NRL down the track.
With AAP.
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