Roosters Honour Saddler in Scintillating Performance

James Tedesco made a commanding statement in his final audition for the New South Wales fullback job on Saturday afternoon to help the Roosters beat the Raiders 44-16. 

The Blues incumbent had a direct hand in five of his side's eight tries at GIO Stadium, scoring a second-half double to go with three try assists, with the victory meaning the Roosters will head into the Origin period inside the top eight. 

Following a defeat to the Sharks at Magic Round, coach Trent Robinson pulled the trigger on a couple of changes to his side which had a positive effect, with Victor Radley a try-scorer in his move to the back row and Naufahu Whyte impressing as a starting middle. 

After Radley's opener inside five minutes, a chance to double the lead a short time later looked to have been squandered when Luke Keary bobbled the ball over the line, only for a review from the NRL Bunker to end in a penalty try being awarded. 

Veteran wing Nick Cotric then got one back for the hosts after Elliott Whitehead palmed a bomb backwards for him to pounce on, but it was clear the Raiders were losing the arm wrestle and after a couple of near misses, including having a try ruled out for obstruction, the Roosters got over again before the break. 

Joey Manu made the most of a one-on-one clash with his opposite number Seb Kris, producing a big fend that allowed him to dance through for his ninth try of the season. 

Up 18-6, Tedesco began a dominant second period for the visitors with his first, and things only looked like slowing for a brief period with 31 minutes to go when Hudson Young got one back. 

A second four-pointer for Manu, which came after an excellent run from Whyte, and another on the opposite side to Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i blew the lead out to 24, before they constructed the try of the game with 12 to play. 

After pouncing on a Raiders error, the Roosters embarked on a long-range effort that included a break from Dom Young and a looping long ball from Sam Walker which helped Tedesco send Angus Crichton over. 

A late strike from Kaeo Weekes did nothing to impact the final result, with Tedesco's double in the shadows of full-time putting the exclamation mark on a huge win. 

Match Snapshot

• After heading into the game having averaged 42 points per game over the past month, the Roosters were once again deadly with ball in hand, scoring eight tries and 58 tackle breaks.
• The Raiders missed 60 tackles in the loss. 
• Victor Radley went on report for a dangerous tackle on 66 minutes. 
• Roosters forward Egan Butcher left the field with just over half an hour remaining after picking up a knee issue which he initially attempted to play through. 
• Raiders prop Joseph Tapine celebrated his 200th NRL appearance with a 153-metre effort in the middle. 

Play of the Game

A brilliant show of desire from the Tricolours' skipper, who backed up after putting Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i into a half gap and then monstered his way to the line. 

What They Said

"When you have a look at the wonderful talent they [the Roosters] have in that team, you can't miss 60 tackles, so that's on us. We didn't play as a team, we didn't defend in our units, and then individually missing those amount of tackles, frustration creeps in and frustration built more frustration." – Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.

"The boys picked up the lessons we needed from the Cronulla game (last week's 38-20 loss), took them on board and for the most part put them in place today, so that was a real positive. Our defence was much better today than it was last week." – Roosters coach Trent Robinson. 

What's Next

Both sides are part of a condensed Round 13, with the Raiders heading north to face the Dolphins in Redcliffe and the Roosters at home to the Cowboys. Both sides will be without any Origin representatives, but face opponents who are set to be heavily impacted by state selections as well.