NRL 2022: History-making Roosters win all 10 senior, junior and women’s games from weekend
Chairman Nick Politis called it ‘remarkable' as the Roosters showed up a number of poorly-performed rivals by going on a winning spree for the ages last weekend.
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This was a piece of footy history from a foundation club with one of the smallest junior bases in rugby league.
Incredibly, Sydney Roosters won all 10 games the club contested over the weekend – from the under 16s development squad to NRL.
A perfect 10 from 10.
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While other clubs stumble around from juniors to NRL, the Roosters are, yet again, showing the way.
The club’s NRL team won, as did the NRLW side, who famously beat St George Illawarra in the grand final at Redcliffe.
The Roosters’ feeder club, North Sydney Bears, secured victory over the weekend as did the Jersey Flegg side while the Tarsha Gale Cup team won to finish undefeated minor premiers.
The Harold Matthews side secured victory to finish second at the end of the regular season, the club’s best result in the history of the competition.
In the SG Ball, the Roosters were crowned undefeated minor premiers while victories also came in the club’s under 16s and 18s development squads.
And to cap a remarkable weekend, the Central Coast Roosters claimed the Country Open Women’s Championship.
“We’re really proud of the NRLW team and their grand final win,” Roosters chairman Nick Politis told colleague Phil Rothfield.
“It capped one of the great weekends in the club’s history. It shows the depth and systems we have in place are working. Ten from 10 is a remarkable effort.”
The amazing effort last week was also assisted by the Roosters burgeoning association with the Central Coast.
“We have always had pockets of success but we have good people in a lot of our programs that have worked hard in our male and female pathways. That was reflected in that success on the weekend,” said Craig Walker, general manager, football programs, Sydney Roosters.
“It’s about getting the right people in the right positions. If you do that then you’re going to have times where you enjoy success.
“Our relationship with the Central Coast has opened us up to a lot more players, staff and people that are now spread across our programs. A lot of the girls from our NRLW winning-side have come through those pathways on the Central Coast, who have 4500 juniors.
“We have always been known as a recruitment club but we have worked hard on the development side.
“Even our small junior base, we resource it incredibly well and we try and do a lot there in that space to maximise that small junior weekend. Supplement that with what we’re doing on the Central Coast - and the good we’re doing in recruitment - and you get the result we saw on the weekend.
“The Bears are going great too, we have a great relationship. That’s what it’s about - footy always comes down to relationships.
“The NRLW, the way they played has made us proud. You love winning but you want to win by what we consider ‘Roosters football’ – defend well, compete and show some grit and selflessness. They displayed all that in the last couple of weeks.”
The Roosters’ NRL side has tightened from $7.50 into $7 in premiership betting, according to the TAB.
Revealed: Tragic family link behind grand final star’s rise
- Chris Honnery
Roosters premiership-winning forward Sarah Togatuki has revealed the incredible motivation behind her Karyn Murphy Medal performance in Sunday’s NRLW Grand Final.
Togatuki capped off an emotional week on Sunday, in which she was forced to front the NRL judiciary on Tuesday for a careless high tackle charge, only to be cleared to play in the premiership decider.
The 24-year-old Samoan representative was then awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal for her barnstorming performance against the Dragons in Redcliffe which saw her make 156 run metres (the most of any forward) from 13 hit-ups.
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Behind her entire rugby league career has been the words from her brother Junior, who passed away after self-harming in his jail cell about six years ago.
After claiming her first NRLW premiership title on Sunday, Togatuki revealed how much of an influence her brother had been on her rugby league career.
“My older brother has passed away, but he’s been one of my drives and started me in rugby league,” Togatuki said.
“It’s why I switched from netball to rugby league.
“My last visit with him, I told him I didn’t like netball and he said ‘why don’t you give footy a try?’.
“That was the last I heard from him before he took his own life.
“That conversation stuck with me and will sit with me for the rest of my life.
“The girls told me (the NRLW grand final win) wasn’t just about my dad, but for my brother too.”
The Roosters created history at Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe by becoming the first team since the Broncos three-year dynasty to claim the NRLW premiership title.
Togatuki led from the front while her star outside backs – Isabelle Kelly and skipper Corban Baxter – produced an inspiring comeback to defeat the Dragons 16-4.
Even after claiming the best on ground award, Togatuki admitted she still had her critics.
“My dad’s my biggest critic,” she said with a smile.
“Coming off the field, a lot of people say ‘you did amazing’ but in our culture, Samoa, the barriers are still there.
“Females are looked at to belong in the kitchen.
“One of the things I’m trying to do is break that stereotype and get my dad to believe in me.
“It’s been a journey and we’re still pushing for it. I play for my dad so he can look and say ‘my daughter can do it too, not just my sons’.”
If you, or someone you know requires mental health support, please seek help immediately by calling triple-0 or one of these services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
NRLW player ratings: Which stars had little impact?
Roosters superstar Isabelle Kelly inspired a history making NRLW premiership win over the Dragons on the back of another sensational second-half comeback by the Tricolours.
Trailing 4-0 at halftime, the Roosters hit back with tries to back-rower Yasmin Meakes and a barnstorming Kelly to take the lead. A late try to hooker Olivia Higgins sealed a 16-4 win as the Roosters became the first team apart from the Broncos to win the premiership.
The Roosters had come back from 16-0 the previous week to beat the Broncos and found the desire and commitment to repeat the dose against a brave Dragons outfit before a crowd of 7855 in Redcliffe.
HOW THEY RATED
ROOSTERS
CORBAN BAXTER - 7
The tricolours’ No.1 was safe as houses at the back for much of the game. Her positional play was a standout against the Dragons’ kicking game. Finished the match with 126 running metres and two tackle busts.
LEIANNE TUFUGA - 7
Made a crucial tackle on a runaway Emma Tonegato in the final minutes of the first half. Produced some great carries out of the Roosters’ half to get the Tricolours out of trouble.
JESSICA SERGIS - 7
Looked dangerous every time she touched the ball. Put her body on the line to stop Kezie Apps from scoring in the second half. Made an uncharacteristic two errors.
ISABELLE KELLY - 9
Brought up her 2000+ run metres during her NRLW career to become the leading metre eater in the competition. Found the slightest of gaps in the Dragons’ defence in the 55th minute to score a try and gift the Roosters a six-point lead with 12 minutes left in the game.
BRYDIE PARKER - 5
Came close to scoring in the fifth minute but was taken into touch by the Dragons. Suffered a knee injury in the 20th minute and was taken from the field and did not return for the rest of the game.
ZAHARA TEMARA - 6
The Queensland Origin representative produced some great kicks, which worried Dally M winner Emma Tonegato whenever it was put in the swirling breeze. Was lucky the Dragons didn’t score after she kicked the ball out on the full in the 60th minute.
RAECENE MCGREGOR - 7
The two-time premiership winning Bronco produced the kick of the game when she nudged it into the Dragons’ in-goal to force the Red V to work it out of their own half. Always looked hungry to get hand on ball all game.
SARAH TOGATUKI - 9
Was key for the Roosters all afternoon with her running game and bone-rattling tackles. Made an incredible linebreak in the 67th minute and even stepped around Emma Tonegato, which eventually led to Olivia Higgins’ try. Was awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal for best on ground.
OLIVIA HIGGINS - 7
Solid in defence all afternoon and only missed the one tackle from 13 attempts. Sealed the win for the Roosters with a try in the final minutes of the game.
MYA HILL-MOANA - 8
Made several strong hitups which got the Roosters into good field position on a number of occasions.
YASMIN MEAKES - 8
A crucial knock on in the opening minute of the game led to Dragons first points in the proceeding scrum but made up for itin the second half by crashing over the line in the 45th minute. Was powerful in attack and finished with 103 metres, a tacklebust and a monster 23 tackles.
OLIVIA KERNICK - 6
Known for her attacking effort, it was her defence which should be highlighted with some crucial tackles. Finished with 22 tackles and 87 metres.
HANNAH SOUTHWELL - 7
Led the most runs of any forward in the first half, with 63m and three tackle breaks which worried the Dragons defence everytime she touched the ball. Continued her bruising defence to finish with 22 tackles.
JOCELYN KELLEHER - 7
Came off the bench and was a handful for the Roosters. Ran for 59m, set up a try and managed to make a linebreak herself.
KEILEE JOSEPH - 7
Made a strong carry in her first run off the bench and just continued her barnstorming running for the rest of the game. Topped the tackle count for the Roosters with 24 tackles.
TAYLA PREDEBON - 6
Incredibly hard to stop whenever she ran the ball but did not make as many metres as she has all season.
SIMONE KARPANI - 6
Another strong member of the tricolours off the bench, finishing with 43m and 10 tackles.
TOTAL: 119
DRAGONS
EMMA TONEGATO - 9
After claiming the joint 2021 Dally M Female Player of the Year, Tonegato backed it up with a devastating running game andattacking prowess. She was always looking to get the ball and every time she did, it worried the Roosters.
TEAGAN BERRY - 5
Her strong defensive effort kept the Roosters from scoring in the first half. Found space on a number of occasions on the Dragons right edge.
JAIME CHAPMAN - 7
Was kept busy in defence all afternoon with Isabelle Kelly running at her all game.
PAGE MCGREGOR - 6
The sister of Roosters halfback Raecene set up the first try of the match with a draw and pass for winger Bartlett. Was taken from the field in the 55th minute with a suspected shoulder injury and played no part in the rest of the match.
MADISON BARTLETT - 6
Scored the first try of the match off a scrum in the opening two minutes of the match and her four-pointer saw her become the leading try scorer in NRLW history. Finished with a linebreak and a tackle bust.
TALIAH FUIMAONO - 5
Was sin-binned in the first half for her high shot on Roosters winger Brydie Parker to leave the Dragons with just 12 on the field.
RACHAEL PEARSON - 7
Her kicking game was close to pinpoint in blowy conditions in Redcliffe. She managed to kick a 40/30 to get her side on the front foot.
ELSIE ALBERT - 5
The “Jukebox” was well below her barnstorming standard against the Roosters. Made just 47 run metres, the least of any starting forward for both sides. She has dominated in attack all season but did not have the same impact on Sunday.
KEELEY DAVIS - 7
Came close to scoring in the dying minutes of the first half, only to be denied by a tiny knock on. Was electric out of dummy half though and made 24 tackles for just the three misses.
KEZIE APPS - 6
The skipper was as solid as always and made some tough carries to get the Dragons out of trouble but she made an uncharacteristic three errors which hurt the Red V’s chances.
SHAYLEE BENT - 6
The partner of Titans forward David Fifita channeled her the Queensland Origin star’s strength several times with some solid carries on the left edge.
TALEI HOLMES - 6
Was a handful for the Roosters defence every time she ran the ball. She broke through three tackles in her 96 running metres.
HOLLI WHEELER - 7
Was a brick wall in defence with 22 tackles but made a mistake in the opening set of the second half which killed the Dragons momentum.
INTERCHANGE
KODY HOUSE - 6
The Queenslander made a big impact off the bench with her 55 running metres and 16 tackles.
QUINCY DODD - 6
Added another playmaking option when she came off the bench when she teamed up with Keeley Davis in the middle.
RENEE TARGETT - 5
Was always looking for a hit up, making 11 carries for 64m. Her 22 tackles were vital.
KEELE BROWNE - 5
Was solid off the bench but had little impact on the overall result.
TOTAL: 104
“It just goes to show how much belief we have in one another and how much we want to win for this club and this jersey,” a jubilant Kelly said.
“This is the one thing I haven’t been able to achieve in the last four years playing NRLW.
“That’s why I was overcome with emotion as soon as that hooter went because this means so much to me. We’ve had a rocky start to the season but bounced back with resilience and belief.
“Our middles went out in the second half firing and were absolutely incredible. To do this with the Roosters is special. It feels like home.”
The Roosters win was set up in the middle with powerhouse prop Sarah Togatuki winning the Karyn Murphy Medal as player of the match.
All previous NRLW deciders had featured more than 30 points but this was an arm-wrestle where players from both sides dug deep to come up with desperate acts of defensive commitment.
Dragons fullback Emma Tonegato, fresh from being announced as the dual Dally M medal winner on Thursday night, was quick to stamp her class on the match when she set up a try for Maddison Bartlett in the second minute.
That was the last time the Dragons scored in the match. They lost Talei Holmes (HIA) and Page McGregor (arm) in the second half as the Roosters powered home.
Roosters winger Brydie Parker was ruled out in the first half when her knee collapsed in a no-contact situation before the shoulder of Dragons playmaker Taliah Fuimaono collected her in the head. Fuimaono was binned for 10 minutes.
The Roosters lost their opening two games of the season and were on the edge of their seats when the final round kicked off to find out whether they would even be playing finals footy.
They got a reprieve, upset the high-flying Broncos in the semis and played their third grand final.
The Dragons finished last in 2020 with no wins and were written off at the start of the year as wooden spoon favourites after former star centres Jessica Sergis and Kelly defected to the Roosters.
The team’s desperation in defence spoke volumes for their inner drive and improvement under coach of the year Jamie Soward.
“I feel sorry for the girls who busted their arse for me in the pre-season, so really hurting for them,” Soward said.
“It’ll burn for a little while...but I’m proud of the girls who came in and the standard on what it means to be a Dragon.”
Tonegato was an absolute handful and ran for a stunning 193m, but it was Kelly against her former club who had the big plays that counted.
2000 GIRL
Roosters centre Kelly has set benchmarks throughout her career and it was fitting she became the first NRLW player to notch 2000 run metres in the competition’s history.
The record speaks volumes for her consistency, power and elusive running game. The 25-year-old needed 52m heading into the decider and had them knocked over by halftime. A try saver by Kelly on Dragons big gun Tonegato in the second-half was crucial, before she broke the game open with a poetry in motion run.
“I love pressure and I love feeding off that,” Kelly said.
“Credit to Emma. She has been absolutely amazing this season. She was a massive threat and we knew we had to shut her down. That was my job.”
SISTER ACT
Grand finals produce enduring memories and the McGregor household has one that will live on forever. Dragons centre Page McGregor was all but over the line when older sister and Roosters half Raecene came from nowhere to stop her sibling in her tracks.
Both sisters were enormous for their respective teams. Page, weighing 64kg, saved two tries herself before Raecene cut her down.
NRLW’s craziest rivalry faces ultimate test
Sisters Raecene and Page McGregor have always been close but come Sunday, water will be thicker than blood when they face off against each other in the NRLW Grand Final in opposing sides.
The Roosters halfback and Dragons centre still live together in their family home in Sydney, but neither one has started to get under the skin of the other.
Instead, it’s been their mum Glenys.
“We both live together so that’s a little bit tough. But it’s mum that tries to get a bit of banter between the both of us,” Raecene said.
“I’m really excited to be playing against her again.
“It’s been a bit a crazy at home this year.
“We’re pretty close but we have been keeping a little bit more separate.
“At the end of the day, when it gets to Sunday, it will be team first.”
WHAT: NRLW GRAND FINAL 2022
WHEN: SUNDAY APRIL 10
TIME: MATCH STARTS 1:30PM AEST
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Raecene is a two-time premiership winner already having starred for the Broncos in their 2019 and 2020 campaigns.
Now, Page is out to claim her first premiership ring and, unfortunately for Raecene, mum Glenys secretly hopes her baby daughter gets her moment to shine.
“Mum actually said she will be cheering for Raecene and she’ll be cheering for me. But she wants the Dragons to win because it’s her baby’s first year, which is me,” Page said.
“Rae’s already got two rings, so give the baby a chance to win for once.
“We’re usually on the same team so this will be the first time we play against each other in such a high stakes game.”
The pair have already played against each other, in round 5 when the Dragons won 16-10, and the build up to that game has been similar again this week.
“When we played each other in round 5, we hardly spoke about footy,” Page said.
“It’s the same as this week, though it’s been good because we’re up here (in Queensland) in separate hotels so we haven’t had to worry about what the other person is doing.”
Originally published as NRL 2022: History-making Roosters win all 10 senior, junior and women’s games from weekend
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