They lost the game but the Sydney Roosters may have played the most important 30 minutes of their NRL season on Friday night.
Fresh off last week’s flogging from South Sydney, the Tricolours’ title defence was threatening to spiral out of control at 28-10 down against Penrith.
But then their big-name players came to the fore in the qualifying final at Panthers Stadium.
James Tedesco kick-started the comeback by forcing his way over big Viliame Kikau for the Roosters’ first second-half try.
Then Josh Morris followed, before Angus Crichton also bagged one with two minutes to go.
In the end they finished up one point short, with a Nathan Cleary field goal being the difference and earning Penrith a week off.
But the Roosters’ end could be important, as they go in search of becoming just the second team in 14 years to lift the trophy after losing week one of the finals.
“Character gets exposed on the biggest stage and we didn’t win, but our character stood up,” coach Trent Robinson said.
“You’re trying to work it (defence) out, the problem is we were in a semi-final trying to work it out and get better.
“I was really proud of them tonight. We’ve got some things to fix up, but we got better.
“Our best training session was this game.
“So we need to get our execution and skill level to follow our character in the second half and we’ll be much better next week.”
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The Roosters have now conceded 89 points in two weeks, but Robinson insisted his team’s defence was much improved against Penrith on Friday night.
Three of the Panthers’ five tries came on the last tackle of a set, while they missed 16 tackles compared to 35 against the Rabbibtohs.
“We worked too hard on a couple of them and over-chased, then put some pressure on and that opened up,” Robinson said.
“Two of those were last plays.
“I thought we were much better, I thought we had less missed tackles than them.
“I thought our first three tackles were good, the four and five needed some work.”
The problem for the Roosters now is what lays ahead. While they were resurgent late on Friday, they must find the fuel to go again against the winner of Canberra and Cronulla.
This is all in a bid to pull off a feat only North Queensland have done in the past 14 seasons – winning the title after losing in the opening week and missing out on a week off.
“They’re the cards we’re dealt,” Robinson said.
“I’m really proud of them. It’s not a normal semi-final one, but this year isn’t normal.
“So find a way, and we’ll find a way.”
Meanwhile the Roosters hope to have Jake Friend (concussion) and Sonny Bill Williams (neck) back.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Yeah It was not all that bad he just bounced off his shoulder, I thought a penalty was sufficient for that. But as you know certain players only have to fart near some referees and get put on report. Seen much worse just cop a penalty.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Agree Noosa. Canberra, Parra and Melbourne all looked as though they could do much better. Easts are still in it with JWH getting off again for a high shot.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
well it was supposed to be Ryan Hall but I think his playing days are over, Had he been fully fit different story
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Going by last nights performance against the Sharks the Raiders were not all that flash, what smore, if Johnston had been playing it may well have been a lot closer and possibly a Sharks win. Also if the momentum is coming back with the Roosters players being back together and with the inclusion of Friend & SBW off the bench, remembering that SBW has great ball distribution skills the Raiders would be working pretty hard to beat them. However, having won two premierships on the trot and turned up in the finals the next year is no mean feat in the modern game. Add Sam Verrills and Victor Radley to that pack you see a much stronger team. They have achieved a hell of a lot with some rookie stand in players if you look at things fairly.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I stand corrected. Canberra :laughing:
Cyril Snodgrass III
Guest
the biggest problem in the Souths game was the pathetic tackling effort of Matt Ikuvalu..... the bloke let in 5 tries...he is one of the worst wingers to ever play for Easts
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Cronulla
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Canberra..
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Cronulla
armc2906
Roar Rookie
Watching that game last night I think the Roosters are cooked! It was an amazing effort to come back late, albeit assisted by the Panthers clocking off early a few times. However, just seeing the emotion of Robinson in the coaches box, you just had the sense he knew just how badly the team needs a week off; to get that chance to regroup and recover before going again. I also had the sense some of the senior players knew it too. You definitely don't win the premiership in the first final, but I suspect the Roosters lost their chance last night. I'm tipping the Raiders to win tonight and go onto knock the Roosters out next week.
Gun Dog
Roar Rookie
Canberra..
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I think the Panthers underestimated them after the flogging last week. Woke up at 10-0 down then came back to lead 28-10. Switched off again because they didn't think Easts could come back. Either Canberra or Cronulla should beat them next weekend.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
As a Roosters supporter I am not very often critical of Trent Robinson, I think he is a great coach. However, my personal feeling is that it was he that created the problem regarding the Souths Flogging. He got far too carried away with this resting players stuff. They had serious momentum, they were winning games with ease and he broke that momentum and it showed in that Souths game. I am a big believer in momentum and not sitting players in the grandstand to "rest" them. With what I saw last night, all I will say is write the Roosters off at your own Peril...I saw the grit and determination in those players and the beginning of the momentum returning.
Footlong
Guest
Full strength next week