Then the Sydney Roosters made short work of the Dolphins with a shock hammering! They too secured victory when they recorded a 36-26 triumph in an action packed encounter at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. James Tedesco proved to be the difference maker by breaking a game-high 212 meters. His mind-blowing performance was the centerpiece for the Roosters’ inevitable climb to glory.
Yet the Roosters were thoroughly dominant in that first 40 minutes, somehow only heading for a 14-8 halftime lead. Despite losing Sandon Smith to a head knock within the opening 10 minutes, the team rallied, showcasing their resilience and skill on the field.
Key Performances
Tedesco’s game was an absolute masterpiece, he made two line breaks and laid on two crucial try assists. He demonstrated his rare ability to cut and burst through defenders, particularly in the second half. There, he accumulated another game-high, 190 yards on only 16 carries. Regardless of the defense, his presence energized the team and created scoring opportunities that became crucial to their victory.
Nicho Hynes was also instrumental, with three try assists himself. His contributions spurred the Roosters to nine third quarter points to score four tries in rapid succession. This dazzling display, ignited by Robert Toia, Victor Radley, Mak Nawaqanitawase & Connor Watson saw their lead soar to an ominous 32-8.
“He’s doing so many good things for our team. Even when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands he’s controlling everything. Really happy for him.” – Cameron McInnes
The Dolphins’ Challenge
Despite the Dolphins’ spirited effort, they lacked the firepower to stay competitive against a strong Roosters’ offense. Though they were down by a seemingly insurmountable margin once, they fought hard to the finish. In a wild second half, they crossed for three tries and climbed back to close out the match at 36-26. However, the early dominance that the Roosters mounted was too much for Richmond to overcome.
Jason Ryles, head coach of the Roosters, emphasized the importance of focusing on their own performance rather than external factors such as officiating. He continued, “I don’t wanna be one of those coaches [who blames refs]. This attitude is indicative of his desire to create a culture of accountability throughout the entire organization.
Looking Ahead
After this victory, the Roosters hope to establish this momentum as they continue their journey through the season. More than anything, the team’s ability to adjust—even after losing Smith just three minutes into the game—shows the depth and strategic capabilities of the team. Ryles acknowledged that though they made missteps, it was important to focus on their creation and advancement.
“I haven’t heard about him for about four or five weeks, which means he’s playing well,” – Craig Fitzgibbon
As the Roosters move forward, they will aim to capitalize on their current form and continue leveraging the talents of players like Tedesco and Hynes.
