Easts' Efforts Unable to Secure Points in Canberra

Joseph Manu was dangerous at fullback throughout with an incredible 300 metres, fourteen tackle breaks, a linebreak assist and a try assist, while Sitili Tupouniua was a constant threat on the edges with a try, 110 metres from ten runs and two line breaks. 

The Roosters looked to make an immediate impression from the kick-off, finishing well within opposition territory with inspired charges from Nat Butcher, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Fletcher Baker.

An eventful first five minutes saw Sam Walker recover a kick for touch, the Roosters pull off a successful Captain's Challenge while Tupouniua was denied a try through an obstruction call. 

While getting to the red zone proved to be no trouble for Easts, ill-discipline in defence welcomed the home side inside their own half, and it was Adam Elliott who took advantage to score under the posts after ten minutes. 

Opportunities continued to elude the Red, White and Blue as clunkiness on both sides of the ball led to errors in a frustrating period, with Joseph Suaalii losing possession after a trademark soaring effort before Angus Crichton was held up over the line.

But the determination of the Roosters soon saw the scoreline levelled as Tupouniua was rewarded after an elusive display from Manu, with Walker's conversion levelling the scores to 6-all after 25 minutes.

Unfortunately, the Bondi Wall was under pressure again immediately through multiple infringements, and following a late offload, Xavier Savage gave the Raiders the lead once again with less than ten minutes remaining in the first half. 

Not to be deterred, Luke Keary put Tupouniua steaming through for one last shot at levelling the scores before the break, but a number of close calls saw the Roosters head to the sheds down 12-6 after a scrappy first half. 

The second half began in an unfortunate fashion as a charge down from Corey Horsburgh led to a long-range try for Seb Kris just three minutes in, with Trent Robinson's men facing a 12-point deficit.

A brilliant individual effort from Connor Watson saw the Roosters back in striking distance, and while Tupouniua looked to be over for his second, the barnstorming back rower was held up on last tackle. 

Looking to get creative, quick hands from Keary and Manu sent Suaalii downfield only for the cruel bounce of the ball to get away from them, before Paul Momirovski was tackled into touch soon after. 

They went oh so close again as Tupouniua was denied once more, but the drought was broken as a break down the left from Walker saw Crichton provide Momirovski with the second try of the night. 

Buoyed by their recent effort, the Roosters rolled downfield and off the back of a clever strip from Taukeiaho, Suaalii was over just minutes later with an aerial effort in the corner - with the deficit now just two points.  

With a tense final ten minutes approaching, a towering kick saw the Raiders feed a scrum 25 metres out, and their opportunity was converted as Matt Timoko powered through - with the missed conversion giving the Roosters a chance to level.

Not to be deterred, the men from Bondi continued the fight as they looked to keep their hopes alive, but were unable to come away with the two competition points in a close 22-16 loss. 

The Sydney Roosters will return home to the Sydney Cricket Ground to take on modern-day rivals the Melbourne Storm in a Saturday night blockbuster. 

Sydney Roosters 16 (Sitili Tupouniua, Paul Momirovski, Joseph Suaalii tries; Sam Walker 2 goals) def by Canberra Raiders 22 (Adam Elliott, Xavier Savage, Seb Kris, Matt Timoko tries; Jamal Fogarty 3 goals)