Game Summary
The Sydney Roosters produced a stunning second-half blitz to defeat St George Illawarra Dragons 48-28 in Round Eight of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Collegians Sporting Complex in Wollongong.
The Roosters drew first blood through centre Junior Tupou, who cut through a gap to cross after a flowing backline movement, with halfback Toby Rodwell adding the extras for a 6-0 lead. The Dragons hit back immediately through lock Ryan Hutchinson, crashing over close to the posts, before back-rower Dylan Egan - in his first game back from an ACL injury - scored to give the home side a 10-6 advantage.
The lead changed hands again when Egan Butcher crossed for the Roosters to level the scores at 10-10, with Toby Rodwell converting to hand his side a 12-10 edge. But Egan wasn't done, racing away to score again on the stroke of half-time to send the Dragons to the break leading 16-12.
The second half began with more Dragons dominance, as centre Hayden Buchanan crossed in the opening minutes to push the lead out to 22-12. However, the Roosters roared back through prop Kanaan Magele, before fullback Cody Ramsey - playing against his former club for the first time - danced his way over the try-line to give the Roosters a 24-22 lead.
The momentum continued to build for the visitors, with Aston Warwick finishing off a Toby Rodwell grubber kick, and Reece Foley delivering a cut-out pass for Junior Tupou to put his side out to a 42-22 lead as the Roosters ran in six unanswered tries.
Taylor Losalu added a late four-pointer to extend the buffer, before the Dragons managed two consolation tries in the final stages through David Afu and a Shadi Hammoud conversion, trimming the margin late. The 48-28 result moves the Roosters into third position, with St George Illawarra sixth.
Talking Points
Dylan Egan's first-half double was the story of the first 40 minutes. Returning from an ACL injury, the Dragons back-rower scored twice and showed more than enough to push his case for an NRL recall.
Cody Ramsey made a statement against his former club, having a hand in tries, making line-breaks and crossing himself to deliver one of the performances of the round.
Key Moment
With St George Illawarra holding a 22-12 lead early in the second half and threatening to run away with the match, a Shadi Hammoud restart hit the cross-bar and was scooped up by a Roosters player. The Roosters converted that opportunity through Magele, and from that moment the Tricolours went on to score six straight tries, outscoring the Dragons 48-28 to complete a remarkable turnaround.
What's Next?
The Roosters return to action in Round Nine looking to consolidate their position against Canberra Raiders, while the Dragons have the bye.
