The Sydney Roosters have roared back into Premiership favouritism with a thumping victory over the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
The match loomed as a danger game for the Roosters but they showed up to play and are now just one win away from the top spot.
The Warriors big loss has seen their finals hopes take a huge blow as they’ve now dropped down to 10th position on the ladder.
FINAL SCORE:
Roosters 46
Warriors 12
Matches between the New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters are often entertaining affairs and today’s contest should be no different, with plenty on the line for both teams. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12:00pm (AEST).
The Warriors’ top-eight hopes suffered a blow last week after they succumbed to Newcastle by six points.
The defeat leaves the Warriors fighting with the Eels, Broncos and Dragons for one of the last finals spots.
Given that they are playing against the Roosters, expect today’s contest to reveal whether or not the Warriors truly have what it takes to make the playoffs.
The Roosters are coming off a big victory over the Tigers last week in wet conditions.
After a very scrappy start to the contest, Sydney eventually clicked into gear to record a thumping 48-4 victory.
Such a result however serves only as a warm-up for the hard games to come for the Roosters, beginning with today’s clash across the Tasman.
The Warriors possess a good record against the Roosters but Sydney can take heart from the fact that they won the last game between the two teams in New Zealand.
With games against Melbourne and South Sydney coming up, the Roosters can ill afford to drop their bundle.
The race for top-four spots is still well and truly alive and the Roosters need to keep winning to ensure a double chance in the playoffs.
With both sides expected to show up with their best form, the Roosters just possess the better balance across the board to snatch a vital win.
Roosters by 4.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 12:00pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Glenn Innes
Guest
I think it's pretty open...the warriors have always been pretenders so I wouldn't get carried away with Easts belting them,that is exactly what I expected to happen. I am warming to North QLD they have easily outmuscled the much hyped Souths pack twice in recent weeks,are winning games away from home,and have uncovered a fullback.i don't think NQ would lose any sleep over playing any of the teams above them on the ladder. Matt Scott is the best prop in the game,Taumalolo. is just trampling over players at the moment and of course they have got Thurston.3.25 was insane overs last night and it has been torturing me all day that I didn't have a big go at it, especially as last night was just a carbon copy of what happened in Townsville when these teams last met. South Sydney will be desperately hoping somebody else knocks the cowboys out for them because they can't beat them..Souths simply do not worry the cowboys...160 minutes of football proves that.
NRL the worldwide joke
Guest
its ok to be aggressive but he take it to another level And his raised elbows are a concern.
NRL the worldwide joke
Guest
The minor will be going to Manly and so will the major if we play at our best. The wknd wasn't great but finals is a different beast altogether.
eagleJack
Guest
It's a bit like that parrafan. And if the Storm beat the chooks next week you could be right that they'll be installed as favs. Anyone putting any money on anyone at this stage, unless to hedge, is braver than me.
parrafan
Guest
Well it was manly two weeks ago, South's last week, roosters this week. Will probably be Storm next week and Panthers the week after.
parrafan
Guest
Well it was manly two weeks ago, South's last week, roosters this week. Will probably be Storm next week and Panthers the week after.
Muzz
Guest
I'm watching you,mate : )
Renegade
Guest
I just seen that the TAB has installed them as favourites... must have a bug on me ;) haha
TheTruth
Guest
Wait! Who are you???? haha
Renegade
Roar Guru
When the defending champions start playing like that people take notice... Well I certainly do. Whether it's deserved or not is debatable but regardless of who the favourites are in a comp as close as this... There's going to be debate.
The truth
Guest
So victory over 10,11,12,13th with a lost to the 14th place side. Deserved premiership favourites
Conner
Guest
Haha I'm glad the roosters won, but you should be more afraid of next Friday night
Renegade
Roar Guru
I suspect we will have new premiership favourites installed today. That was a devastating performance from the premiers.
eagleJack
Guest
Well that's it for the Warriors for another year. I truly feel for their fans. They always put together a handful of great games in the middle of the season, so their fans are convinced things have "changed". But they never do. And I have no idea how things can be done differently to help them.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Looking good for the minor and major prems
Elma Dudd
Guest
The warriors had the ref bluffed by grasping the roosters players hands ... Dun matter a convincing flogging on the road.
Alan
Roar Guru
The Roosters have once again clicked into gear for the second week in a row to record a thumping 46-12 win over the Warriors. It was a danger game for the Roosters but they showed up to play and are now finishing the season very strongly. They are looking good at the right end of the season. Warriors finals hopes take a huge blow today. Not sure if they can bounce back from today's reality check. Warriors 12 Roosters 46
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Warriors 12 Roosters 46
Alan
Roar Guru
Error by the Warriors and the Roosters go on a swift counter attack and spread possession quickly to the left and Jennings just walks over the tryline to score! Too easy! CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Warriors 12 Roosters 46
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Roosters have fallen away over the last 15 minutes. They could have easily hit 50. Roosters on the attack now as Pearce goes away! Jennings scores! TRY ROOSTERS Warriors 12 Roosters 44