The Sydney Roosters have claimed top spot with a gutsy 12-10 win over Brisbane but they have paid a massive toll with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’s NRL season over.
They are also expected to be without halfback Mitchell Pearce for several weeks after he suffered a suspected hamstring tear.
Both were taken off in the opening 20 minutes but Trent Robinson’s side still managed to grind out a memorable win that saw them jump the Broncos to be within touching distance of their third straight minor premiership.
Waerea-Hargreaves was assisted from the field in the 12th minute when his knee buckled under him in a tackle and soon after their problems were compounded when Pearce was assisted from the field.
Both were sent for MRIs immediately and Waerea-Hargreaves was ruled out for the season soon after.
Despite losing two of their key men, the Tricolours dominated the opening half but were unlucky to only lead 8-0 at the break.
They couldn’t convert their pressure into points after they bombed it four times either when they were over the stripe or with the line open.
The 19,137-strong crowd made their feelings known when Blake Ferguson was controversially denied by the video referee when it was ruled Brendan Elliot got a fingertip to it fielding a James Maloney bomb.
However they finally cracked the Brisbane line in the 30th when they put it through the hands to cross through Elliot.
The Broncos sparked the game to life five minutes after the break when Ben Hunt and Justin Hodges found the Roosters short.
A Corey Oates try in the 61st got the Broncos back to within two and the Roosters bench was reduced to two for the final 12 minutes when Kane Evans was taken from the field for a concussion test.
However the Roosters held on bravely, repelling several Broncos attacking chances, to elevate them into first position on the NRL ladder with two games remaining.
littleredrooster
Guest
Eagles swoop...portly Dogs flop about like big pillows. There will only be one Sydney Club in the GF. Foundation, played EVERY year since inception. I think the "Bazza" suits...
Samtwocan
Guest
Are they small and red ?
pete bloor
Guest
You're going to miss Hodgo's "living in the grey area" next year, the subtle hold on Jennings in support, the little shoves on flying Dan. He's like a good number 7 in rugby pushing things to the point he can get away with it and it probably saved you 10 points. (note not sour grapes more begrudging admiration for using guile to overcome having not enough speed to win a race to the buffet at a nursing home)
littleredrooster
Guest
I believe there's a particular breed of killer Turkey that eats dogs..
pete bloor
Guest
Then wouldn't karma have resulted in those individuals suffering serious injury rather than two other people. Karma would suggest your gleeful response would come with consequences. You are a bit of a failure as human being revelling in two guys injuries because you don't like some of the supporters.
littleredrooster
Guest
Jacksyd, even without Ju Ju and JWT, we'll be giving it to your mob in round 26 like we did last year. Jackson debuted in that game and played like he had been there all year. He was very classy on Saturday night and will rough up Reynolds and Keary bigtime...make NO mistake. Naps and big Kano will keep those one trick pommies in check. Luke? Friend makes him look an A grader from Alexandria. Greggie? well, we all know he's been playing for a coupla years now with more shots in him than Keith Richards to keep that knee mobile. Madge has got a lot to answer for in that department.
Samtwocan
Guest
Littleredturkey.... I like it ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Well littleredturkey their depth is certainly about to be tested...
Samtwocan
Guest
Triple strength Bronco coloured glasses.
Samtwocan
Guest
Manly gettin rolled by parra shows the unpredictability of it all... The next two weeks are crucial for the chookies.... If they win them I'd be bloody confident
littleredrooster
Guest
Roosters...class, depth, toughness and speed.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Looks like they'll be coming in with some good momentum but it's tough from the bottom half. I have faith that Des will get the timing right. Horrible luck for the roosters losing JWH and Pearce on the eve of the finals but all teams in contention are dealing with injuries. It will be interesting to see Jackson Hastings get an extended run in the halves.
littleredrooster
Guest
Real finals son...prelim
Craigo
Guest
Exposing the hatchet job News are trying to pull with their rag tag bunch of alcoholic 'journalists'. http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/236044283/rupert-murdoch-in-all-out-war-with-australian-rugby-league
Samtwocan
Guest
I think your mob are a serious threat comin good at the right end . Going to be a seriously good effort from the roosters if they can regroup and make it to the big dance . I also think the storm might give it a shake , they've had time to get their structure right after the loss of billy ....gunna be interesting.
The Barry
Roar Guru
So you haven't watched any footy this weekend...?
Jay C
Roar Guru
See I disagree. I think he was very quiet. I wouldn't be surprised to see him miss next week. That rib shot hurt.
pete bloor
Guest
Whilst both high shots were penalties he did make miraculous recoveries once they penalty got awarded.
littleredrooster
Guest
Finals..minus the dogs.
littleredrooster
Guest
Jacksyd you must be referring to Souths and the Dogs.