Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has dragged Sydney Roosters to their ninth successive NRL win as they survived a first half scare to prevail 28-18 over Parramatta at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Waerea-Hargreaves’ bullocking 72nd minute try, in which he shrugged off four Parramatta defenders in a 25m run, put the home side 22-18 ahead; their first lead of the game. A late Jake Friend effort sealed the Tricolours’ victory in front of a crowd of 11,255 and created their longest winning streak in 13 years.
The win moves the Roosters into the top two on the NRL ladder for the first time since round one.
But it did not come easily, after Parramatta dominated the first half to lead 18-4 at the break and threaten one of the upsets of the season. The Roosters though found form in the second half scoring four-tries-to-none.
Tim Mannah crashed over through some soft defence in the 11th minute to open the scoring for the visitors.
The Roosters struck back four minutes later through James Maloney.
On the back of 58 per cent of possession Parramatta had the better of the rest of the half against a below-par Tricolours outfit.
The NRL’s leading tryscorer Semi Radradra scored the Eels’ second, and his 19th try in 15 games this year, in the 16th minute as they jumped out to an unexpected 12-4 lead.
A strong defensive effort from the Eels repelled a number of attacking raids from the Roosters, before the visitors went further ahead when Corey Norman streeted away.
Parramatta enjoyed a 14 point buffer at the break before the Roosters finally found gear to score two tries in five minutes after halftime.
Mitch Aubusson scored out wide from a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves long ball in the 50th minute and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck skipped over shortly after for a scoreline of 18-16 to the Eels.
Waerea-Hargreaves’ barnstorming effort put the Roosters ahead with little time left.
Roosters skipper Friend scored late to set up a minor premiership showdown with Brisbane next week.
Samtwocan
Guest
You have to wonder if they think they have done enough to win and go into cruise control ....whereas on the weekend I think they didn't pay Parra enough respect from the get go ...
pete bloor
Guest
But no one in the comp fits that bill this year as the roosters and Broncos are the only two teams with for and against north of 100 and the roosters are the clear defensive leaders.
Jacksyd
Guest
Parra were up against it when Mannah went off, then Terapo off and Corey Norman on 1 leg 2nd half. Add 2 shoulder charges and Ferguson's blatant trip all unsighted by the refs, say no more.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah...they have to win three semis against the best teams to win the comp and I think there are big question marks about them doing so if they don't stop leaking points during games. No team in the modern game is going to own the full 80 minutes. Momentum stays with one team for too long. The key to a premiership for mine is to be able to absorb pressure and avoid leaking points when momentum is against you. Souths did it last year. The roosters were brilliant at it in 2013.
Samtwocan
Guest
You are correct my friend and it is a problem that they don't seem to go on for the full 80 . Im not sure if its the pace of the game these days or what but if they keep winning I guess its not a problem.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Of course you'll take the win...beats losing any day of the week and they're on a 8-9 game winning streak so it's a good problem. But they're just not playing a strong 80 mins and are leaking points when not in control of the game.
Dutski
Guest
Roosters are playing like a team that needs a loss to snap them out of these 74% efforts.. Maybe Brisbane will provide that.
Samtwocan
Guest
Less than convincing ...Yes but a wins a win and we'll take it all day . Gunna be a real test for both teams . The top o the table clash next week .
The Barry
Roar Guru
Another less than convincing win for the rooters. Parra cruelled themselves with dumb errors and poor handling after half time. Great try by JWH. He's in career best form and the best prop in the comp at the moment.
Bup
Guest
The officials policing of the ruck cruelled any chance the eels had. Seems to be par for the course these days, the less favored team gets hammered in differential penaltys. No wonder punters are losing interest.