James Tedesco stars to lead Roosters past Raiders in thriller

Latrell Mitchell gave NSW a huge scare, there were injuries and tries galore in a Magic Round thriller, but Roosters star James Tedesco still managed to steal the show. Check out all the talking points.

James Tedesco celebrates a try with his Roosters teammates at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Latrell Mitchell gave the entire state of NSW a scare at the home of Queensland rugby league.

The NRL’s form player limped from the field with what looked to be a serious injury after diving to score a try in the 28th minute during the Roosters 30-24 win against Canberra at Suncorp Stadium.

Mitchell struggled to walk but somehow returned to play midway through the second half which would no doubt have given Blues coach Brad Fittler relief with NSW already in the midst of a crippling centre crisis.

Coach Trent Robinson said Mitchell was stomped on.

“He did well to get back on the field,” Robinson said.

“At half-time they thought he’d be right.”

Latrell Mitchell left the field with what was feared to be a serious groin injury. Picture: AAP

The Raiders almost staged a comeback of greater significance than Mitchell’s. Trailing 30-6 after 43 minutes, the Raiders crawled their way back to score three tries in 17 minutes against a tiring Roosters team to trail by six with nine minutes left.

The Raiders had an opportunity to draw the scores level but winger Nick Cotric threw a forward pass to Jarrod Croker which would have given the Canberra centre a chance to send the game into golden point.

Mitchell was not the only scare for the Roosters. Winger Daniel Tupou — who is in contention for a Blues recall — failed to finish the first half because of a neck injury before being taken to hospital.

“He is in good spirits,” Robinson said.

“It’s not that serious. He got up and had some tingles down his arm. The doctors think he will be fine.”

Daniel Tupou was helped from the field with a neck injury. Picture: Getty Images

Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner lasted just 12 minutes because of concussion, meaning almost the entire Roosters left edge spent large chunks of the match on the sidelines. The Roosters’ five-day turnaround before playing Brisbane on Friday would all but rule Cordner out.

Robinson was not impressed with what his side dished up in the second half.

“We should’ve gone on with it,” Robinson said.

“Canberra did a good job. I can’t sit here (and be happy) just because we got the win and because of the injuries. I don’t like it. I don’t want to be that. Our players were happy with the win but knew we didn’t nail the game.”

SUBLIME TEDDY

Only injuries to his teammates overshadowed the performance of James Tedesco.

The NSW and Kangaroos fullback starred by laying on three tries, scoring one, running for 201 metres and a line break assist in a sublime showing.

It prompted teammate Luke Keary to declare Tedesco is twice the player that he was this time last year.

“He has gotten a lot better,” Keary said.

.

James Tedesco was superb for the Roosters against the Raiders. Picture: AAP

STUART NOT HAPPY

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was unimpressed with a 6-4 penalty count against his side in the first half.

“Lack of possession makes it hard,” Stuart said.

“First half we couldn’t get the ball. First half we got penalised out of it.

“Very hard to when you’re copping so many penalties against you. It doesn’t matter what I say. I look like a whinger. There are two teams playing the same brand of football.”

The Raiders are sweating on good news for winger Jordan Rapana. Rapana dropped untouched while chasing a kick but early reports suggested it was a posterior cruciate ligament rather than the more serious ACL.

WIGHTON GETS ONE

Jack Wighton has made a seamless transition into the No.6 jersey but surprisingly delivered his first try assist of the season.

Wighton delivered a pass for Croker to get on the outside of Joseph Manu for the 10th minute try. Wighton scored a try of his own after Manu struggled with a bouncing ball.

Originally published as James Tedesco stars to lead Roosters past Raiders in thriller