The return of Michael Jennings has helped the Sydney Roosters steady their premiership defence, with the NSW centre scoring two tries in their 30-22 defeat of St George Illawarra.
Jennings scored a double as the Roosters moved into the top four with their five-tries-to-four win at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night in front of 13,083 fans.
After four games out that included losses against Cronulla and Newcastle, Jennings’ input was vital in his first outing for the tricolours since suffering a back injury in State of Origin II.
Jennings scored the opening try in the 10th minute when Josh Dugan fumbled a James Maloney kick.
He brought up his double in the 61st minute when he swooped on a Maloney grubber in an effort reminiscent of his epic touchdown that sealed last year’s grand final win over Manly.
Jake Friend, who scored the match-sealing try in the 73rd minute, was also among the Roosters’ best alongside Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Aidan Guerra, whose 46th-minute try swung momentum strongly the home side’s way after they led 12-10 at the break.
Brett Morris scored a 14th-minute try, then Joel Thompson put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute before Nene Macdonald touched down out wide in the 34th minute to put them in the lead.
Benji Marshall turned back the clock with a fantastic individual stepping effort in the 70th minute and threw a great pass for a try in the dying minutes to Josh Dugan, who was the Dragons’ best.
The Roosters achieved the win with just 42 per cent of the ball.
The defeat leaves the Dragons losing touch with the top eight with five rounds to play.
Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for a high shot on Mike Cooper in the 69th minute.
Charles NSW
Guest
Dugan will continue to improve, working on his defence and passing techniques. He may go fullback or centre next year depending on the roster but he will be better a player either way. Marshall has to start looking to who he is passing to instead of the looking at the opposition trying to get in a sneak pass. Once the players know him better he can try it then.
Muzz
Guest
Charles, every time Dugan touched the ball last night i thought of you : ) Marshall still has it and i was looking forward to seeing a replay of his cut pass for the Dragons last try but they didn't include it in the games highlights. Jenko was solid and always looked dangerous. Shayne Hayne had a couple of howlers.He awarded the Saints a 10 metre penalty and then allowed them to take a quick tap.They went on and scored from that set and when Mini questioned the call he replied "it was a marker penalty" Mini then asked "why was it taken 10 metres away from where the markers were?" Hayne then told him "to go away" Dragons won the penalty count 7 - 3 Shock horror!
james t
Guest
Benjis brain snaps cost them the game. Widdops poor last play options ruined there positional.play all night. The best one was benji on the 2nd doesn't want to take a tackle so he kicks and it goes dead. Next set roosters get a penalty and then score. game lost for dragons.
Charles NSW
Guest
I am also impressed with the Dragons efforts and feel McGregor has been working hard on in getting the team into shape. Allowing 30 points and having the majority of the ball shows there is a lot more work will be needed in their defence structure.
Elma Dudd
Guest
St George impressed me last night , I think Mary has done a fantastic job and they will be a threat next year once they iron out the bugs . Dugan as much as I can't stand the guy was a handful all night and the roosters were lucky to come out winners . I'm still not sold on the roosters and they Are a long way off their 2013 form still . Had it have been manly last night with that amount of possession the chooks would have been looking down the barrel of watching the GF from the stands like everyone else .
MAX
Guest
It was a case of welcome back Jimmy Maloney (and Mick Jennings) With the return of attitude came the touch and class we expect. As a Canterbury man I am still hoping for a miracle but last night Jimmy showed that his team was back on track. He should give Mitch a sip of his drink.