Another chapter was written in the rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs when the sides met on Friday evening at Accor Stadium.
Roosters Race Out of the Blocks
In their biggest game of the season to date, the Red, White, and Blue got off to an electric opening.
It started with a pair of effort plays in the opening five minutes, with a monstrous 50-metre kick from Sam Walker and a determined run from Fetalaiga Pauga which drew a penalty, putting Easts on the front foot.
Their intensity was converted into points shortly after, with Corey Allan diving on a loose ball in the in goal to put his side up by four.
Pauga's Perfect Put Down
After South Sydney took a narrow advantage midway through the first half, the Roosters hit back late to take a four-point upper hand into the break.
Having almost scored a try off a towering cross field kick from Luke Keary, Pauga took his chance at redemption with two hands on the next set.
Pauga for the Corner
Getting on the end of a spectacular cut-out ball from Walker, Pauga dived into the corner and managed to plant the ball down.
Visitors Hit Hard
As is expected in this classic grudge match, the contest was a physical one right from the kick off.
The Roosters got on top early, with a clinical tackle from Walker and Victor Radley forcing a Souths error.
Just five minutes later, Walker executed one of the effort plays of the season as he stood his ground in front of a grubber kick from opposing half Cody Walker before chasing the ball, kicking it ahead and beating the opposition to it to retrieve possession.
The men from Bondi bravely kept the intensity up all game, defending a full set on their own try line which featured a try-saving tackle on the fourth from Brandon Smith and Angus Crichton, with a fast defensive line on the next play seeing Corey Allan wrap the ball up on the fifth.
Tricolours Take Control
After an evenly matched opening 40 minutes, the Roosters tightened their grasp on the game and earned a comfortable victory in the end.
Leading by four with 10 minutes left to play, they managed to double their lead in an instant as some fancy footwork from Luke Keary helped create an overlap on the left edge which was taken advantage of by Billy Smith, beating two defenders to crash over.
With just five minutes left to play, Walker put the result beyond doubt when he collected his own kick off a deflection, diving over the try line to ice the win.
Skipper Seals Victory
With the game all but over and South Sydney probing for a miracle, Captain Tedesco charged down a fifth tackle kick from Damien Cook, stopping the attack and securing possession.
The fullback had a routinely impressive performance, with a strong 200 run metres, two line break assists, six tackle busts and a try.
The win collects an all-important two points for the Tricolours which propels them into the finals series.
Robinson & Tedesco: Round 27 Press Conference
