NRL play-offs week three: Sydney Roosters surprise Penrith Panthers
The Sydney Roosters surprised the Penrith Panthers at home at Sydney Football Stadium over the weekend.
The Roosters upset the Panthers in a one-sided affair on Saturday in Sydney. The Roosters were the better team from the very start, as they were able to take a 12-point lead into the break. After the half the home side continued to add to their lead, notching
six tries on the day, cruising to an easy 34-12 win.
Recap
The Roosters started off the scoring with a try from Mitchell Pearce in the 12th minute. Todd Carney punched home the conversion and the Roosters took a 6-0 lead.
The hosts kept the pressure on for most of the half, but were only to able to muster one more try, this one coming from Braith Anasta in the 33rd minute. Carney added his second conversion of the game and the Sydney-siders were able to take a
12-0 lead into half time.
After the break the Roosters refused to let up, as Sam Perrett managed his way across the whitewash in the 46th minute to extend the lead to 16-0.
Carney then recorded a penalty in the 55th minute to push the lead out to 18-0.
The Panthers were able to get on the board for the first time in the 62nd minute, courtesy of a try from Adrian Purtell. Michael Gordon was able to pass through the conversion and the lead was cut to 18-6.
However, only four minutes later Anthony Minichiello darted across the try-line for the Roosters and Carney put through his third conversion to make it a 24-6 game.
The Roosters kept the pressure up and Carney was able to record a try of his own in the 69th minute, making it a 28-6 game.
The Panthers would add one more try from Wade Graham in the 74th minute. However, it would never be enough as the Roosters ran away with a 34-12 victory and a spot in the semi-finals.
Analysis
The Roosters managed to find their game at the right time, near the end of the season, and have not looked back since. Their offence has come alive and their kicking game has been sensational throughout the post-season. They will need to maintain their strong
play against a tough Gold Coast Titans side this weekend.
Conversely, the Panthers never looked as though they had their game this post-season and stood no chance against the Roosters with their poor form.
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