It was an unfortunate set of results for our Junior Reps in the first week of the 2024 Finals, with the three teams on display unable to claim results.
In a positive note, however, the SG Ball side will kick off their finals campaign this weekend, with plenty of young up-and-comers on display in Jake Friend's side.
Lisa Fiaola Cup | Central Coast Pipped at Death
Central Coast Roosters 22 def by Wests Tigers 24
It was a case of close but no cigar for the Central Coast Roosters in their opening finals match against the Wests Tigers, with a late surge finding the side short by just two points at full-time at Leichhardt Oval.
Despite their opponents gaining an early lead through two opening tries, the Tricolours struck back through fullback Ella Knowles and centre Mia Vaotuua in quick succession.
Match: CC Roosters v Wests Tigers
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
CC Roosters
away Team
Wests Tigers
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
The Tigers responded to regain their lead, however a Vaotuua's second just moments before half-time saw the Roosters trail by just two points.
Both sides entered an arm wrestle as fatigue crept into the match, and with ten minutes remaining on the clock, Wests responded to extend their lead to eight points.
Not to be deterred, the Red, White and Blue rallied with hooker Mahlie Cashin crossing in the final minute, but with time against their side, the final scoreline read 24-22 in favour of their opponents.
The Sydney Roosters would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Central Coast Roosters' strong inaugural season in the Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Harold Matthews Cup | Roosters Downed by Sharks
Sydney Roosters 22 def by Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 30
In a near-identical scoreline from their Round 9 match, the Sydney Roosters' Harold Matthews side were brave but unable to secure victory against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, downed 30-22.
Despite the final scoreline, it was a strong start from the Red, White and Blue, scoring three times in the opening fifteen minutes through winger Bailey Roberts-Lintmeijer, second rower James Finegan and five-eighth Jeziah Papa.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Roosters
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Cronulla struck back for their first try of the match, but a second to Roberts-Lintmeijer saw the Roosters in command at the break with a 22-4 lead.
Unfortunately in the second stanza, it was the Sharks who ran away with the the match, with two quickfire four-pointers putting them back in the contest.
The Tricolours continued to fight hard to regain their ascendency, but a further two tries in the final ten minutes saw their opponents progress to the second round of the finals, 30-22.
The Sydney Roosters would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Harold Matthews side for a strong season.
Tarsha Gale Cup | Roosters Reign Ends
Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy 6 def by Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 24
The Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy's Premiership reign in the Tarsha Gale Cup came to an end after being downed 24-6 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Leichhardt Oval.
A close arm wrestle between both sides saw the scoreline untouched until halfway through the first half, with the Sharks taking a slender six-point lead going into the sheds.
Match: Indigenous Academy v Sharks
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Indigenous Academy
away Team
Sharks
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Cronulla continued their momentum into the second stanza with a second try just minutes upon resumption, before Sienna-Mae Montgomery - who was a late swap to the interchange bench - crossed for the Tricolours to put them into the contest.
Unfortunately, a late sin-binning opened the gate for the Sharks, who scored two late tries in the final minutes to claim the win, with the Roosters' two-year dominance coming to an end.
The Sydney Roosters would like to congratulate all involved in the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy in the 2024 season.
