As a constant reminder that fans and pundits love the flash and high-flying scenes, the Roosters’ aura just took a huge hit last night after being absolutely destroyed by their rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
In a one-sided affair, prior to the kick off, it was all about the professionalism and dominance of the Roosters. Their quest to a three-peat was apparently in the writing.
So many people have seen their huge wins over the Broncos, the Tigers and the Knights in recent weeks. Almost to a tee, they scored the first try with slick back movements.
Everyone just assumed it was all but over, only after ten minutes. What occurred in the next 70 minutes was an absolute masterclass.
The Roosters rested three of their top 17 players, but the key men were all there. They were absolutely outplayed, outclassed and just dominated.
Their aura faded so fast, the 80 minutes felt like 50 minutes. It was just an avalanche of points.
In one game, the Roosters conceded 50 points. Their halfback Kyle Flanagan – who had a healthy lead as the top point scorer – lost that gong to the Souths halfback.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
To make it worse, winger Alex Johnston scored five tries to win the top try scorer gong as well. This happened all on the Roosters’ watch.
If you look through their season, their record against top-eight sides is very average. In 20 games, the Roosters have lost six games: two to the Storm, one to the Rabbitohs, one to the Panthers, one to the Raiders and one to the Sea Eagles. That’s five losses to teams in the top eight and one loss to a team outside the eight.
They do have victories against sides in the top eight, with some against the Raiders, Souths, the Sharks and the Eels. Their strength of schedule was very favourable for them and with all forms of COVID extremities, their travel was very, very easy.
People have applauded their big wins against very low sides, the Broncos and the Bulldogs, but have not really looked into very close losses to the Warriors and the Titans.
It’s like the Roosters get a free pass in tight wins and losses, but get all the applause with big wins.
After being dismantled by Souths by 52 points, how do they go from here?
They more than likely play Penrith now and with Penrith’s form, it could be a short finals trip for the men who looked a sure thing to win three titles in a row.
The cracks are really showing and, finally, maybe others may see them too.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
That's correct, I think the roosters may be cooked and yes the Panthers beat Roosters in round 1 this year, pre-covid seems like a different comp. the Broncos had won 2 from 2, and then only 1 game for the rest of the season, so I don't put too much weight on those early games. Still back to your point, a win is a win and the Panthers should take comfort in having beaten them already.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Not a chook fan, but I doubt they tossed that game on purpose. They just weren't on focus and I don't think a Panther's win is so certain. Chooks will bounce back in a big way.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Did you forget that the Panthers have also beaten the Roosters this year? Every one of the other top 6 teams (bar Eels) have beaten them and it will take a huge effort for chooks to win through.
Blake Standfield
Roar Guru
I'm not clear if you're agreeing that they tanked or not. Either way, take it easy with the tone, behind your nickname and keyboard, Big Mig.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Robinson and his team are the only team to concede 60 points in 2020. Perhaps they should change their name to the Eastern Suburbs Broncos :stoked:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Nice try, but didn't even play for 10 mins....1 sole 4 pointer in the corner doesnt constitute "play". As for the other 70 minutes, no other team in the comp has played like that. They are the only team to concede 60 points in 2020. Ouch, but go ahead and believe that they "played". I like that.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
DP you have summarised the roosters perfectly "Once you believe you can beat the chooks they lose their unbeatable aura and become mortal" There are 3 teams that KNOW and CAN beat the chooks 1) Rabbitohs 2) Storm and 3) Raiders. As for Panthers we'll get that answer very soon. The Rabbitohs always look forward to playing the roosters, as Bennett said "they don't need any motivation when they play them" . That's why they won. There was a belief by the Rabbitohs and the Roosters sensed that on the field and crumbled.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Willie - you're spot on, I would add that Roosters are a 'confidence team' but if they can get rattled, then you see them crack. The Rabbitohs rattled them with the quick short drop out at 4-0 and they never got back into it. I think they are cooked for 2020, their older, marque players are suffering from continual injuries and fatigue (eg Cordner, Friend, JWH, Aubo and Keary). Tedesco goes missing 1 out of 4 games, previously it would be 1 in 20 games. SBW will have no impact, he's played his 13 minute cameo and now will be ineffectual.
Wild Panther
Roar Rookie
Re watch the game. They were blowing massively after the 20 minute mark. Uncharacteristic
Wild Panther
Roar Rookie
BS. Very funny if you wish to believe that.
Burwale
Guest
Perhaps the worst thing for easts will be that every other team will know that, even if easts get of to a good start, they can be beaten.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
But if you meet Panthers early and get beaten you are likely to see them again. Let the chooks and Raiders finish them off and you get to play the sore winners. :thumbup: Anyway, I don't see it matters for Parra, their form is on the lowest level of the top 5, wouldn't matter who they met.
ppa19696837
Roar Rookie
A few of those roosters players on the edges looked like they never played together in their life... Flanagan/Sitilli/Aubo/ Ikavalu... all on the right.... and they hadn’t really... and by all reports they only had a couple of training runs during the week after a 4 day rest... Not sure you can take much out of that game... Be interesting to know what the approach to that game was. Still think others are better and my roosters Have looked a little tired most the year!
Joey
Guest
Souths knocked them for six. Scary to think how far they will get knocked next week.
bbt
Roar Rookie
..I meant Keary and Flanagan as a duo.
mushi
Roar Guru
If I'm afraid of the Panthers then I want to meet them when it isn't a knock out. As to Canberra or souths... I think I wanna play the raiders :crying:
Kuka
Guest
They lost in purpose...Robinson knows what he's doing. He threw his players under the bus to have them lose so Roosters can play Panthers, he however did not expect to lose by such a huge margin. If I were Robinson I also wouldn't want to risk it and play the Storms, I'd rather play an inexperienced side.
Steve
Guest
May have been easier to just field a reserve grade side then like the Storm are doing. Getting pummelled 60-8 and losing your only remaining hooker for the season?....yeah that sounds plausible. Lol @ the desperate Roosters supporters that think they were tanking.......sorry guys "No 3 peat for you."
Blake Standfield
Roar Guru
The Roosters preferred a game in Sydney against the unproven Panthers over an away game against the Storm. They played for 10 minutes.
J Tee
Guest
South Sydney are the goods. They have a backline that can score all over the park and a forward pack that packs a punch considering they were written off before the season even started. Add to that Wayne Bennetts influence and the aggression of Sammy at training and you have the team to beat. Penrith won't do a single thing in finals, look at the draw they have had... Played Souths, Roosters, Melbourne and Canberra one time early in the season and had a soft run. They are far from battle hardened so lets relax on tooting their horns just yet.