The scintillating defensive effort and a couple of new faces were all Drew Hutchison, Fletcher Baker and Siosiua Taukeiaho could talk about as the trio faced the media to recall their win against the Warriors on Easter Sunday.
Bouncing back from defeat, the Roosters were at their best in a tough contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground, pilling on six tries in an emphatic second-half effort.
Round 5 media - Siosiua Taukeiaho
Leading by four at the break and under plenty of pressure just after half-time, the Bondi Wall repelled wave after wave of attack in a tenacious period which eventually set up the side to run away with a 20-point victory.
“That was massive for us," Hutchison said of the side's defensive effort.
"Everyone really felt it and grew from that. It really showed the true character of the team and everyone just really turned up for each other.
“I was pretty proud to be a part of that win.”
“I actually had the interchange card in my hand at the time,” Baker recalled.
“I was supposed to go on, but I think it was about three or four sets on our line and then Freddy (Lussick) hit them low to free the ball which was awesome.
“It really took the spirit out of the opposition.”
Round 5 Media - Drew Hutchison
For senior forward Taukeiaho, the inclusion of Sam Walker and Ben Marschke was one of the many pleasing aspects of the victory, with the front rower praising the duo for their seamless transition into first grade.
“It was a tough first half, especially with Luke Keary and some of the other players out," he said.
"But I thought the young boys that stepped up last night played really well – especially Sam Walker on debut, he was my man of the match. He’s filling in Keary’s role and it was enjoyable to watch him play.
"Ben (Marshke) coming off the bench, I thought he fit in pretty comfortably in the middle. I think he trained with us for the first time a couple of days ago, and you could obviously see him fit in pretty well straight in the middle when he came on.
"Fletcher Baker and Walker, they’ve been playing their role. It’s good to see them out there and hopefully they get more game time this week."
Playing at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground - where the side will return on Saturday night to take on the Sharks - the triumvirate elaborated on the aura that comes with the historic venue.
"Everyone really felt it and grew from that. It really showed the true character of the team and everyone just really turned up for each other.
Drew Hutchison On the Roosters' defensive effort on the Warriors
“It’s a great place to play footy, especially on such a good weekend. It was such a beautiful night to play, everything about it was good," said Hutchison.
“Round 1 I warmed up and it was scenes," Baker added.
“Yesterday was the same, I was just looking around and the sky was just awesome. The atmosphere when we ran out – wow, I just want to do it again."
“I love playing at the SCG," Taukeiaho echoed.
"I’m getting pretty used to calling it our home and getting the crowds to come in and support us every week.
“We’ve got another home game this Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.”
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