Western Suburbs Magpies produced one of this season’s most dominant performances with a 68-8 win over the Sydney Roosters at Lidcombe Oval in Round 15 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
The Magpies had can control from the opening exchanges, and the scoring began in the fourth minute when halfback Javon Andrews skipped through the defence on the left edge and around the fullback to score. Winger Fiohiva Siale Fainga’a and hooker Tristan Hope followed up with tries shortly after to give the hosts a 12-0 lead after just 10 minutes of play.
Fullback Heath Mason’s first of four tries for the afternoon came at the 15-minute mark, catching on to a Tino Tavana offload off the back of a right-edge shift to score untouched. He converted his own try to give his side an 18-0 advantage.
The contest was effectively over by the half-time break as the Magpies ran out to a 48-0 lead, with both Fainga’a and centre Brenden Naicori bagging doubles, and Peter Taateo picking up a try.
It was more of the same the start the second half as Solomone Saukuru powered over from out wide in the 49th minute before Mason crossed for a second in the ensuing moments, but the Roosters showed some fight when Fetalaiga Pauga found the try-line twice in quick succession to trail 56-8.
With just under 10 minutes remaining, Mason added two more converted tries to round out his 32-point tally for the match - and a huge 60-point victory for Western Suburbs.
Talking Points
Heath Mason was the outstanding performer for home side, carrying the ball with venom and supporting well to score four tries, and kicking an additional eight conversion for a 32-point individual tally.
Sunday’s effort was arguably the Magpies’ most complete performance so far in 2026, putting the side in good stead for a finals push in the back end of the season.
Key Moment
Despite conceding three tries in the opening 10 minutes, at 12-0 the Roosters were still very much in the contest. But after 15 minutes, a right edge shift from the middle of the park that led to Heath Mason’s first try showed that the hosts weren’t letting up and they ran away with the match from there.
What’s Next?
The Magpies host Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Round 16, while the Roosters will look to regain some momentum when they face Newtown Jets at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
