Roosters Valiant in Gosford Deluge

A host of regular first-graders took the field for the first time in 2022, blowing out the cobwebs of the pre-season in what was a strong defensive performance from the Tricolours, with local junior Victor Radley leading the side as captain. 

Signings Paul Momirovski and Kevin Naiqama found themselves on the scoresheet while barnstorming backrower Sitili Tupouniua and Sam Walker threatened in attack throughout. 

In his return match since rupturing his ACL in Round 8 last season, Lindsay Collins asserted himself with a number of strong carries and made his presence felt in defence in what would be a confidence boost for Trent Robinson.

A late hit from James Tamou on Walker in the side's very first set saw the men from Bondi in a strong position to lay claim to the first try, and a right-side backline shift saw the returning Paul Momirovski slide over for the first four-pointer of the match.

Central Coast local Adam Keighran's sideline conversion swayed just to the left, but it was a strong start as the Roosters took an early 4-nil lead after just five minutes.

Both sides continued to engage in a forward-dominated battle through the middle of the field, with the Roosters' intent in defence highlighted as Tupouniua forced an error in the play-the-ball soon after.

With momentum behind them and the wet conditions failing to deter their progress, the Red, White and Blue overcame a fumble over the line and pressure on their own try line to get back in striking distance. 

Soon enough a sidestepping Walker cut through the Tigers' defence, which saw Naiqama score his first try in Roosters colours thanks to a slick cutout pass from Sam Verrills, giving the side an 8-nil lead to end the first quarter. 

Despite conceding an error in their own half, the resilient Bondi Wall repelled wave after wave of attack as the deluge continued - defending an incredible seven consecutive sets - with the likes of Tupouniua and Collins punishing the Tigers with plenty of bone-jarring hits.

Unfortunately for the gritty Roosters, the weight of possession coupled with a flurry of offloads saw their opponents finally get on the board in the dying stages of the first half, with the scoreline reading 8-6 as the sides headed into the sheds. 

Easts began the second stanza in a similar fashion to the first, with incisive running and a forced error handing over possession in the Tigers' half - however, a lost ball in the air saw an early opportunity missed.

Daniel Tupou announced himself into the match with a 40-metre burst through the heart of the Tigers' defence - with a flick pass to boot - but again it was a matter of execution going awry. 

A number of veterans earned well-deserved spells after their first-half efforts as Trent Robinson opted to utilise his young brigade to take the field with the final quarter looming. 

Captain Radley put his trademark defensive prowess on show, giving his side possession by helping to dislodge the Steeden in a strong tackle, and following a group effort to prevent Jackson Hastings from scoring, five-eighth Joseph Manu saved the day once again by diffusing a grubber kick and streaking downfield. 

The Tigers looked to pounce on another opportunity, however, and after another string of sets on the Roosters' line, Luciano Leilua picked up a grubber kick to score under the posts and give his side the lead for the first time in the match. 

With just over ten minutes remaining, the youthful Roosters looked to regain their ascendency, continuing the defensive stronghold with a number of try-saving efforts which included a one-on-one tackle from Eli Roberts on David Nofoaluma and a tackle into touch from Naiqama on the opposite wing.

Despite the Tigers crossing in the dying stages, the match overall highlighted the defensive commitment from the Bondi Wall, with a handful of players returning to the field and a crop of youngsters vying for spots in first grade. 

The Roosters will take the field next in their Round 1 clash against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday March 12 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in a historic double header alongside the Sydney Roosters NRLW side.

Sydney Roosters 8 (Paul Momirovski, Kevin Naiqama tries) def by Wests Tigers 16 (Zane Musgrove, Luciano Leilua, Alex Seyfarth tries; Luke Brooks, Jackson Hastings goals)