NRL: Roosters look to get back on track against Broncos

Roosters’ super fan Peter Orinuela gives his musings ahead of tonight’s showdown against Brisbane Broncos.

Roosters Aidan Guerra is injured during the Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks rugby league game at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

There’s nothing worse than someone saying “I told you so”. I’m going to say it anyway.

I told you so.

The clash against the Sharks was always going to be a danger game and it proved to be just that.

The Sharks boasted a strong pack with loads of representative players. They also had enough out wide to trouble the Roosters. The home side was forced to defend for long periods in the first half and eventually cracked. They didn’t recover.

A young Roosters supporter watches them in action against Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Getty Images.

Apart from a five minute period where the Roosters scored two quick tries, the rest of the match belonged to the Sharks.

It was a woeful performance in front of their home fans. Many gave up an Easter Sunday afternoon with their family only to be dished up what can only be described as rubbish. Harsh but true.

It will be interesting to see what attitude the players run on to the field with this Friday night. It couldn’t be any worse.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters at training. Picture: Getty Images.

This week’s assignment will be no easier. Not only will it be against an in-form Brisbane Broncos on their home turf, but also minus several key players who are out with injury.

The Broncos have been in good form and will draw a very parochial crowd. Needless to say we can be sure that the whistleblowers will not want to let them down.

These two teams have had some great clashes over the years. Many of them have gone down to the wire often with lots of controversy involved.

Who could forget the classic encounter in 1996. The Broncos virtually had the Queensland and Australian squad. A freak chip and chase try to winger Darren Junee levelled the scores at 10 all. It was a controversial tap kick penalty against the Broncos that allowed the Roosters to steal the game in the last minute.

If you were at the game, like me you were the recipient of a ticket courtesy of a Big Mac purchased. I miss those days, not only the free ticket with a burger purchase, but the quality of football on offer.

Despite the Broncos being a far cry of those days, it will certainly be a test of what the Roosters are made of. Early signs were great but supporters’ confidence has been dented severely after last Sunday’s debacle.

Easts to win.