CLUB WEEKEND RESULTS – Saturday, 15th March – Sunday, 16th March

It was a tough day out in the heat for Roosters senior sides.

NSW Cup:

After a narrow victory over North Sydney in Round One with a depleted outfit, the Roosters faced a daunting task up against a near full strength Penrith Panthers in their Round Two NSW Cup clash at Penrith on Saturday. From that line-up in Round One, the Roosters also lost Makahesi Makatoa and Hugo Savala to NRL duty, Michael Coleman with injury and Aston Warwick through suspension.

With no junior representative fixtures played on the weekend, two replacements were from the Roosters S.G. Ball Cup team in halfback Toby Rodwell and hooker Jaxson Allen (who unfortunately was concussed making his very first tackle of the game and was ruled out of the match as a result).

In very difficult conditions, due to stifling heat, ball control was crucial but the Roosters could only complete 17 sets in 80 minutes, leading to the Panthers having 55% of the ball. Not surprisingly, the very talented Panthers ran in seven tries to two in beating the Roosters 38-10. It was a tough day out for the Roosters but they didn’t give up at any stage.

One bright spot for the Club was seeing classy left centre Billy Smith return to the field and play the full 80 minutes. In his 27th NSW cup game of his career, Smith crossed for his 18th Cup try in the 29th minute of the game where he beat a number of defenders to the line. He had 13 runs for 133 metres with 9 tackle breaks, 1 line break and 1 line break assist.

With Jaxson Allen only lasting 30 seconds, starting hooker Tyler Moriaty had to play close to 80 minutes and in doing so topped the tackle count with 39, missing just one. Winger Tom Rodwell, older brother of Toby, scored the Roosters second try in the 68th minute and topped the hit ups and metres gained stats with 17 hits up for 182 metres in a strong performance.

The Roosters next travel to Auckland on Friday night to play the undefeated Warriors.

Jersey Flegg Cup (Men’s Under 21s):

The Sydney Rooters Jersey Flegg team has suffered its second successive loss to open the season, going down 46-16 to the Penrith Panthers at Penrith on Saturday.

The Roosters conceded eight tries in the heat, and trailed the Panthers 22-24 at half time. It was not a day for spending it constantly defending but that’s how it developed for the Roosters as the Panthers stamped themselves as genuine premiership contenders, having beaten Cronulla-Sutherland 30-0 in Round One, with a resounding victory.

For the Roosters winger Kade Maguire crossed for a double, whilst S.G. Ball Cup prop Itula Seve, playing up a grade for the weekend, also scored a try.

The Roosters next travel to Auckland on Saturday morning to play the Warriors who, like the Roosters, are yet to win in 2025.

NSW Women’s Premiership:

Competition commences on Sunday, 6th July

Ron Massey Cup:

Defending Premiers Glebe have opened their season with a thrilling 38-32 victory over the Hills Blues at Wentworth Park on Sunday, after trailing 32-26 inside the last ten minutes.

Glebe called on four players from the extended Roosters NSW Cup squad, who weren’t required for Saturday’s Cup match, for the opening round game (fullback Owen Flaherty, winger Trey Peni, centre Turoa Williams and interchange back Emery Jollife), whilst former Roosters Cup players Harry McKeon, Johan Ngaronua and Lomi Saukuru also suited up for the Dirty Reds. 2018 Roosters NRL premiership winner Dylan Napa and 2010 Roosters S.G. Ball Cup premiership winner Asipeli Fine rounded out the Roosters connection in the Glebe side.

Owen Flaherty, the reigning Arthur Beetson Medal winner (Roosters Jersey Flegg Player of the Year) had a very strong game as did Turoa Williams, who crossed for three tries, playing left centre. Right centre Iverson Fuatimau was also a major contributor for the Dirty Reds, scoring two tries. The match was played in very warm conditions and Glebe would just be delighted to walk away with the two points.

Glebe next take on the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, who also won their first round match, at Eastwood next Saturday.

Sydney Shield:

Glebe have been narrowly beaten 30-28 in their opening round Sydney Shield clash with the Hills Bulls at Wentworth Park on Saturday, after Glebe had led 22-0 at half time. Just one of the Roosters Jersey Flegg Cup squad was not needed on Saturday and was therefore able to play for Glebe in their opening round match (left centre Druzal Taula, who joined the Roosters in the off-season from Manly). Taula contributed with a try and a goal and had a number of strong carries.

The big Glebe forwards, after setting up the platform for the Roosters to have a large half time lead, wilted in the second half when the Bulls dominated possession and momentum swung to them on a very hot Sydney Sunday.

Glebe next take on the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, who also lost their first round match, at Eastwood next Saturday.

See the latest results below for all the Senior Representative and Affiliate club sides.