Charged-up Roosters to bring the Kane out with the Knights in their sights

THE high-flying Roosters put the bite on the Bulldogs — with Kane Evans’ big shoulder charge on Sam Kasiano. Now the chooks have the Knights in their sights.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters makes a break during the round 21 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium on July 31, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

What a great game of football. The Roosters started like Usain Bolt at the Olympic Games and blew the Bulldogs off the park in the first 20 minutes. Then, on the back of six straight penalties, the Bulldogs hit the front and looked like scoring an amazing victory.

Somehow the Roosters managed to regroup to win a pulsating match. It’s a shame there was such a small crowd to witness one of the games of the season.

Blake Ferguson continues his outstanding form, scoring a try for the Roosters against the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Mark Evans

There were two incidents in the match that deserve some attention. Firstly, gun Roosters prop Kane Evans pulled off one of the hits of the season on Bulldogs giant Sam Kasiano. The crowd went wild and it is one of the reasons we watch this great game. These days however this tackle, or shoulder charge, is condemned and often incurs time on the sideline.

Bulldog big man Sam Kasiano shows his admiration for the Kane Evans shoulder charge, though his team mates were not as impressed. Picture: Mark Evans

The tackle has created much debate with many leading experts calling for the rule to be reviewed. While nobody condones contact with the head, the shoulder charge should still be a part of the game if it is done correctly. The game itself is built on aggression and confrontation and those at the ground really enjoyed this moment. Thankfully, sanity prevailed and Evans was not cited and is free to play this weekend.

I want to commend Sam Kasiano for his reaction to the tackle. He could have laid there and milked a penalty. Instead he got to his feet and acted with class, even congratulating the Roosters giant on his hit. Everyone at the ground or watching on television believed it was great rugby league all around, and it was.

The second point is the final penalty count. Sure, I have brought this topic up several times already. However, how can a team only receive two penalties for the entire match? Perhaps recent media coverage and subsequent leniency has come to an abrupt end. The Bulldogs received six straight penalties, which clearly helped them reel in the early deficit.

Knights legend Danny Buderus will instil spirit into his charges against the Roosters this weekend. Picture: Phil Hillyard

This week the Roosters will take on the battling Newcastle Knights. Like myself, I’m sure you also get nervous when we play these sides. You almost feel much more comfortable playing the top sides. You know that the boys will lift for the occasion.

The Knights will be playing at home, under caretaker coach and club legend, Danny Buderus. All we need is another professional performance. In doing so we will be a step closer to securing a coveted top two finish, which is now a big possibility with other teams faltering.

Easts to win.