Roosters Defeated by Storm in Wet Conditions

The Sydney Roosters have been defeated by the Melbourne Storm 46-nil in wet conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Having relocated the match to Newcastle as a necessary precaution following recent events in Sydney, there was still plenty of Red, White and Blue in a reduced but parochial crowd. 

A number of strong charges from the back three of James Tedesco, late inclusion Joseph Suaalii and Daniel Tupou saw the Roosters in opposition territory early in what was a promising start to the contest. 

But despite the Tricolours storming downfield, a misfiring kick deflated their pressure and saw the Storm earn a seven-tackle set, and from there Josh Addo-Carr took advantage of an early kick to score the first try of the match. 

The flying winger nearly sent another scare through Roosters camp as he looked to go over on the next set, but a bobble in the contest saw him lose possession in what was an early let-off for the tenacious Tricolours.

Using their quicker men to their advantage, Easts trundled downfield and once again found themselves in a try-scoring scenario, but by attempting to keeping the ball alive, possession was handed back to the Storm through a wayward pass. 

As errors crept into both camps as the slippery conditions affected the contest, neither team could gain any ascendency, before a call for an illegal strip against the home side gave the Storm the chance to extend their lead with a penalty goal.

Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.

Sign Up

Already have an NRL Account?

Log In

Not sure?   Learn more about an NRL Account .

The Roosters forwards looked to assert their dominance, with Isaac Liu and Siosiua Taukeiaho combining to put a massive shot on Jesse Bromwich from the kick-off, dislodging the ball and regaining possession for their side, but further errors squandered any scoring opportunities.

Lack of completion brought on frustration for the young Roosters, and an awkwardly bouncing ball saw Hynes swoop on the Steeden to score a long-range try, much to the disappointment of the Red, White and Blue. 

Further ill-discipline continued to go against the Roosters, as back-to-back penalties handed the Storm another chance to extend their lead, and would do so as Dane Finucane and Kenny Bromwich barged over to score consecutive tries. 

As the Storm sent another attacking raid, Manu and Suaalii combined brilliantly to knock the ball out of Justin Olam's arms as the hulking centre looked to cross the line - but once again poor discipline resulted in Josh Addo-Carr swooping on a loose pass and scoring as the Storm headed into the sheds up 30-nil.

Needing a quick reversal in both results and fortunes upon resumption, a try-saving effort from Jared Waerea-Hargreaves saw the 32-year-old front rower streak downfield after cleverly taking an intercept on the try line.

While Melbourne looked to go over soon after, an obstruction penalty went the way of the Red, White and Blue as the heavens began to open up, but eventually, the scoreline extended further.

After a late hit on Sam Walker, the sides came together in a fiery clash as emotions spilled over following a careless attempt from Christian Welch on the eighteen-year-old halfback.