Game Summary
The Sydney Roosters claimed a comfortable victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round Two of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, running out 30-18 winners at spiritual home of the Rabbitohs, Redfern Oval in front of a passionate crowd.
The first 17 minutes were tense and scoreless, with both sides enjoying extended periods of attack but unable to cross the try-line. South Sydney were particularly threatening in the early stages, with Latrell Siegwalt and the forward pack repeatedly threatening the Roosters' line, only to be denied on multiple occasions.
The deadlock was broken when Jaxson Rahme crashed over from close range in the 22nd minute for the Roosters, with Toby Rodwell converting to give the visitors a 6-0 lead. South Sydney responded almost immediately through a long-range effort from Matt Dufty, who capitalised on a Bentley Harpe grubber that came off legs. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape converted to level the scores at six apiece.
With seven minutes remaining in the first half, Tom Rodwell scored off a brilliant combination between both the Rodwell brothers and Reece Foley to score in the corner and push the Roosters back in front 10-6. A late penalty goal from Bailey Bentley-Harpe, right on the half-time whistle, brought the margin back to just two points at the break, 10-8.
The second half told a very different story. The Roosters came out with purpose and Reece Foley crossed for a stunning individual try early in the half, with Rodwell converting to stretch the lead to 16-8. The Rabbitohs struggled to contain the Roosters' right edge, and Foley crossed for his second try of the afternoon shortly after, extending the lead to 20-8.
Ben Johnson then added a fourth try for the visitors, latching onto a sharp kick return from Cody Ramsey, and Toby Rodwell's conversion pushed the margin out to 24-8 with around 25 minutes remaining. Ramsey himself got in on the act moments later, collecting a bouncing ball to score and effectively seal the contest at 30-8.
Late tries to Vito and a consolation effort in the dying minutes reduced the margin, with Bentley-Harpe converting one, to leave the final score at 30-18. Despite the late flurry from the home side, the Roosters were deserving winners, going two from two to open their NSW Cup season.
Talking Points
- Reece Foley was the standout performer for the Roosters, finishing with two second-half tries and a constant threat with ball in hand, building on an impressive performance the week prior against the Warriors.
- The Rodwell brothers were a constant headache for South Sydney. Toby directed play superbly and landed three conversions from six attempts, while Tom scored a try and was dangerous out of yardage all afternoon.
- South Sydney's attack was lively but spending extended periods on the Roosters' try-line without reward.
- Matt Dufty showed he still has plenty to offer at this level, scoring a long-range try and demonstrating a full skill set throughout the match.
Key Moment
With the scores locked at six apiece and momentum swinging, Foley found Tom Rodwell out wide to score in the corner just before the half-time break. Although Bentley-Harpe's penalty goal kept South Sydney within striking distance at 10-8, the Roosters' clinical second half quickly rendered that gap irrelevant.
What's next?
The Roosters will host the Penrith Panthers at Wentworth Park in Round Three, looking to continue their unbeaten start to The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup season. South Sydney, still searching for their first win of the year, will travel to take on the Western Suburbs Magpies at Polytech Stadium in Gosford.
