The Sydney Roosters have surged into third position on the competition ladder with a dominant 36-18 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium.
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Final score
Sydney Roosters 36
St George Illawarra Dragons 18
The Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons look to consolidate their spots in the top four in what shapes as an explosive battle up front. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 4:10pm (AEST).
Oh to have been in the dressing room after the Roosters’ 56-24 win over Manly last weekend. Sure, the Tricolours ran in ten tries, but the Sea Eagles didn’t offer much resistance in defence.
Coach Trent Robinson would also be aware of the fact his team also conceded four tries – ten points more than the 14 they previously averaged per game.
The Roosters’ push towards the premiership this year has been built on their defence. While it was nice to see them finally turn it on in attack last week, the second-placed Dragons should prove a far more difficult side to penetrate.
Paul McGregor’s men only conceded one try in their 24-10 win over the Cowboys last weekend. The victory was crucial as it arrested a form slump that threatened to derail their campaign.
This week, the Red V have the perfect opportunity to prove they are still genuine title contenders in 2018, having demolished the Roosters 24-8 earlier this year.
The battle of the forwards alone will be worth admission, as two of the most imposing packs in the competition come face-to-face.
In a boost for the Dragons, Tyson Frizell returns, while Isaac Lui and Mitchell Aubusson are back for the Roosters.
Prediction
The Roosters have looked the far more convincing in recent weeks and should continue their charge towards September.
Roosters by 10.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 4:10pm (AEST).
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Another one of those instances where the tackler drops his weight behind the ball runner and rubs someone out with a knee/ankle injury(accidentally of course). Need a name for it. An anchor tackle? Imo Keary is too important for the Roosters to lose long term. Doesn’t look great either. Closer to 8 weeks than 2 would be my guess.
Muzz
Guest
The Chooks should win this comp.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah I can definitely see where you're coming from Rene - might have to pen something next week to express my feelings on where Aitken is at.
Tom English
Roar Guru
No, but you don't make third position from only beating the weak teams.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Match Report: The Sydney Roosters have surged into third position on the competition ladder with a dominant 36-18 win over the St. George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium. The clash was branded as the highlight of the round as two top four contenders battled it out. However, the Roosters made Paul McGregor’s men look like one of the competition’s also-rans. Latrell Mitchell starred for the Tricolours, scoring three of their seven tries as they reaffirmed their tag as premiership contenders. The first try came in the eighth minute when Mitchell powered past Euan Aitken, Jason Nightingale and Ben Hunt on the way to the corner. The Roosters soon after went back-to-back when Mitchell streaked down the touchline and linked with Blake Ferguson. He kicked infield and James Tedesco collected the ball in a stunning effort. It was beginning to get embarrassing for the Red V early, with Trent Robinson’s men extending their lead in the 22nd minute when an inside ball from Cooper Cronk to Tedesco saw the fullback stream through and find his halfback in support. The Dragons looked to be heading into the sheds scoreless after struggling to crack the relentless Roosters, only for Ben Hunt to take the line on and cross in the 40th minute to give his side some much-needed confidence. Unfortunately, it counted for little as Mitchell had a double eight minutes into the second half when he grounded a split bomb by Jason Nightingale. The barnstorming centre had a hattrick by the 54th minute after he steamrolled past three defenders before crashing over. Tedesco nabbed his second of the night eight minutes later when he scooped up a Gareth Widdop grubber and sprinted 80 metres to score. However, the Dragons eventually hit back when Hunt stepped through the line to score in similar fashion to his earlier try. The Tricolours reasserted their dominance in the 71st minute when Blake Ferguson streamed through for a try off a lovely short ball by Mitchell Aubusson. While it was a strong overall display by the Roosters, coach Robinson wouldn’t have been too happy with the finish after Tariq Sims barged over for a soft try in the 76th minute. In the end, it was the Roosters claiming a 36-18 win and they will look to win their eighth game from nine attempts when they battle the Cowboys next week. Meanwhile, the Dragons will look to bounce back against the equally desperate Warriors.
Emcie
Roar Guru
It's my top 3!! We should just stop the season here! In all seriousness though it looks like Melbourne are the team to beat again. Roosters looked good today by they still have some things to sort out, they really shouldn't have let the Dragons score 18 points. And the Rabbits have had a couple scares over the last few weeks. A lot can happen in 5 weeks. Dragons, Panthers and Warriors look like they have a bit to work on and wont want to leave it too late while the Broncs and Sharks still need to accelerate into the finals if they want to be real contenders
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Only just saw this but don't get fooled by the Channel 9 commentators... both passes were 100% fine.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I’ve noticed some weaknesses over the last few weeks Scotty... Latrell fly swapped him today. Aitken’s strength is his defence but I don’t think it’s good enough on its own to oust some of the better overall centres - if you know what I mean
Zedman
Roar Rookie
That covers it Joe, as a Draggies supporter i think the score flattered us a bit. Storm v Rooters for mine.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Also looks like Storm, Roosters and maybe Souths are a real step above the rest.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Remind me how Dragons are right now leading into the finals. Dragons took full advantage of teams not out of first gear at the start of the year...Now teams are actually playing football Dragons have been exposed.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Roosters way too good and going great at the right time of the season. Definitely premiership favourite for me, just way too much strike across the park and the best spine in the competition. Friend is playing his best football in years. Latrell Mitchell is a superstar and Tedesco is everywhere. Apart from their strike their defense is outstanding. I know they let in a few tries late both this week and the last but the game was pretty much over by then. The Dragons tried hard, especially early. The got scrappy late when desperate and chasing points but I thought they played well overall, just came up against a red hot Roosters team.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Well after this weekends results it looks like ther's room for a fiar bit of movement in the 8 yet
Scott Pryde
Expert
Just thankfully, I wasn't blogging it. That could have been a disaster. Talking points will be up in 10 folks!
Emcie
Roar Guru
Not what you wanted Jimbo?
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
7-3 to the Dragons.
Mordac
Guest
I agree. Not while McGregor is in charge and that is why the Dragons will continue to make their way down the ladder and be bundled out of the finals first week if tehy make it.
JimboJones
Guest
What was the penalty count ?
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
FULL TIME - ROOSTERS 36 DEFEAT DRAGONS 18 The home side dropped off a bit in the end but they end up 18-point victors here at Allianz Stadium. What did you make of the game Roarers? Are the Roosters the team that can topple the Storm with South Sydney faltering recently. Are the Dragons set for a drop out of the top four? They needed to keep going direct tonight and looked far better late in the second half but that was against a tiring Rooster side. They will need to bounce back next week against a equally desperate Warriors team. That's all tonight folks. Thanks for joining me. Scotty will be up shortly with the talking points from the round, although don't give him too much flak if he is a bit late as he will be recovering from that loss tonight.
Adam
Roar Guru
Remind me how they went against the Broncos this year?