Roosters 46 – Dragons 18
The Roosters put on a clinic in their traditional Anzac Day clash with the Dragons, delivering a dominant performance from start to finish. Led by their young halves pairing, it was Sandon Smith who stole the show. The rising star was outstanding—bagging two tries, setting up another, making three line breaks, forcing multiple drop-outs, and even knocking over a few handy conversions. A great knock from the young lad.
James Tedesco led the Roosters out for his 100th game as captain of the Bondi club and, as always, led by example. Teddy finished with two tries, an assist, two line breaks, seven tackle busts, and a whopping 232 run metres—just another day at the office for one of the elite fullbacks in the game.
Unfortunately for Dom Young, he might be spending a bit more time in reserve grade, because this looks like the Roosters’ best backline when fully fit. Mark Nawaqanitawase is an absolute beast—he’s electric every time he touches the ball. I’m a huge fan of this bloke; he just makes things happen.
On the other side, it’s been the same story all season for the Dragons: one step forward, two steps back. They were never really in this contest. It felt like the only time they touched the ball in the opening 20 minutes was when Sione Finau scooped up a Roosters error and sprinted 90 metres to score.
Not many positives to take away for the Dragons in this one—it’s a game Shane Flanagan will want to move on from quickly. That said, I’d hate to be one of his players during the review session… but I’d love to be a fly on the wall for it.
Dally M Points
Jack’s Dally M Votes
3 – Sandon Smith
2 – James Tedesco
1 – Mark Nawaqanitawase
Aaron’s Dally M Votes
3 – Sandon Smith
2 – James Tedesco
1 – Valentine Holmes
Let me know in the comments who your man of the match was.
