For Rooster fans and players alike, this game was always going to be juicy. It was the Rooster legends versus the Rooster legends. In fact, almost a quarter of the Newcastle team were wearing a tattoo from the Roosters’ grand final victory of 2013.
The match was billed as the Mitchell Pearce versus Cooper Cronk showdown. The 238-game Rooster veteran against the guy who stole his number seven jersey.
You can only imagine how Pearce was feeling as he ran out to play the team for which he has shed so much blood, sweat, and beers.
Other Newcastle stars from the Roosters class of 2017 were Aiden Guerra, Connor Watson and the mercurial Shaun Kenny-Dowell. Also, don’t forget about Tautau Moga, a former star from the Rooster junior grades.
As for the game, it may have been tense before kick-off, but the Roosters proved to be a step above once the opening whistle was blown.
Mitchell Pearce and the enthusiastic crowd of 15,153 were treated to a master class from the new Cronk/Luke Keary halves partnership. They were involved in all seven tries thanks to Cronk’s control and kicking game.
Pearce tried hard as always, but lost his halves partner, Connor Watson, to a shoulder injury early in the match. He struggled to make an impact behind a forward pack dominated by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dylan Napa, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Zane Tetevano and Ryan Matterson.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Keary was the clear man of the match for the second week in a row and was supported by strong performances from Cronk, Jake Friend, Blake Ferguson and Latrell Mitchell.
Despite the first half rain, there were some spectacular tries. The pick of the bunch was scored by the ever-improving Rooster junior, Victor Radley.
It was set up by Keary who re-gathered a perfect chip over the top from Cronk, followed by a sublime reverse pass into the waiting arms of Radley who then raced away to score his first try in first grade.
The only disappointing point for Rooster fans was the lack of involvement from star recruit, James ‘Teddy’ Tedesco. He tried hard to get involved late in the match, but made some errors. However, it won’t be long before Teddy fires – he’s too skilful to be deprived.
My prediction is that he’ll be crowing next week when we take on the powerful Warriors from across the ditch on Saturday 5.30pm. This week it was Cronk versus Pearce. Next week Teddy versus Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Don’t miss it.
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