The Sydney Roosters produced an impressive display of defensive muscle against a lacklustre Parramatta Eels on Friday night, despite the absence of big name forwards, Willie Mason and Nate Myles.
The Tricolours’ performance is reminiscent of their tremendous goal line defensive efforts a fortnight ago against Canberra.
Freddy and the boys wont be crowing too loudly, however, recognising their opponents were well below their best.
The Eels could only be described as awful in attack, exuding a sense of aimlessness every time they had possession. Showing a complete lack of cohesion and creativity, Parramatta swished the ball from side to side with no real direction.
Only the individual brilliance of Jarryd Hayne was enough last week to save the Eels from a dismal defeat against the Raiders. Regrettably, there was no miracle forthcoming for the men in blue and gold against the Roosters.
Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson was last week well noted for his aggressive halftime spray that appeared to have had a positive effect on his side, as they turned it around in the second half.
The other night, the Eels’ players received a similar verbal lashing, this time falling on deaf ears.
Perhaps Anderson had run out of saliva, because the night only worsened for the visitors as they slumped to a 24-6 loss to the Roosters.
The reinvigorated enthusiasm of the Roosters forwards has some hoping that Willie Mason might be caught drinking a few more times again in the future.
Mason, who has yet to demonstrate any sign of hitting the great form he had a few years ago, is on his last legs with many Roosters fans, who are sick of hearing about big Willie’s off field exploits and seeing very little presence on the field.
Appearing to show little remorse for breaking the club’s rules and being stood down, the question is being asked from every quarter: does Willie have genuine pride in the red, white and blue jersey?
jimbo
Guest
Come on MC, you know who Willie is – you’ve played with him lots of times. Willie Mason and Nate Myles are two of the 4.997 million Sydneysiders who didn’t give a rats that the Swans were playing at Stadium Australia last night. The attendance of 33K was one of the lowest ever for AFL club game at the ground. Given the AFL’s high attendance standards, other AFL crowds were pretty bad this weekend too and the start of the big slippery slide of the AFL’s popularity this year.
westy
Guest
Leftarmspinner I wholeheartedly agree. the young Roosters players showed great character and rugby or rugby league I appreciated the players of both the Roosters and the Brumbies for their prematch words to put an effort into their respective games in honour and support of Shawn Mackay . I wish his parents well and hope for a full recovery for Shawn. One more thing LAS they should not drop any of these players for areturning Mason and Myles. I am disappointed that the media seem to make Mason the spokesperson for rugby league. He is not and never has been. I like character on a sporting field the roosters showed it on friday including Braith Anasta who played with a broken hand , the Waratahs against the Blues the Swans against the Hawks., the Socceroos in second half against Ubekistan . All good. Makes you love sport.
Norm
Guest
I care plenty Michael C especially if he puts in another rubbish performance like he did against the Tigers.
Koala Bear
Guest
MC, great to see Willie turn out for the Newtown Blue Bags (Jets)... Foundation Club... Well I cared... As an old boy from the Newtown District.. ... living near by Henson Park as a youth ... it brought back some wonderful memories seeing some "Blue Bags" highlights on the Telly.. ;) ~~~~~~~~ KB
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
no disguise about it. It is a bald headed, clarion call for the Rooster management to back the young guys AND get rid of the bad apples......... The new season is marred by drunken and/or criminal antics, negative press and more damaging publicity...........The Roosters have three players involved, (Sa, Cherrington and "whats his name"). The Roosters get towelled by 16 points by Balmain...............As crisis/panic sets in at the club, a few days later, two dickheads, and two of the most senior, most highly paid, underperforming players break the team's alcohol rules.....................So, you drop two "dickheads" who are State of Origin regulars............and the team goes better, much better..........The young guys stand up and the team wins by 18 points..................and you, Politis, deduce from that that you need to to recruit more dickheads like Todd Carney............... Explain that logic..........
Alan Nicolea
Guest
Adam It was a terrific effort by the Roosters. They needed to beat the Eels to have a chance of upsetting the Broncos next Friday night and they have done that. The Broncos though will be a huge test and the likes of Mason and Myles will really have to step up big-time, Particularly after the performances of young Roosters props Frank Paul Nuuasala and Shane Shackleton. These kids can play. Indeed all of Brad Fittler's men need to be in tune against Brisbane next week.