Sydney Roosters beat Canterbury Bulldogs 20-18 in NRL clash

The Roosters' 20-18 win over the Bulldogs confirmed a number of things

Bulldogs v Roosters

The Roosters' 20-18 win over the Bulldogs confirmed a number of things.

Firstly, it proved that we are genuine title contenders.

There have been doubts from time to time but with so many players missing we still managed to beat the in-form Bulldogs who were on a roll and talking up their chances prior to the game.

Secondly, and most importantly, it showed that the players are playing for each other and working for a common goal. It proved that if the attitude is right the Roosters have the ability to overcome any team, under any circumstances.

It was evident from the outset that the players were on their game. The forwards steamrolled the more fancied and rated Bulldogs pack. The Bulldogs were expected to just run on and brush the weakened Roosters aside.

Even bookmaker Tom Waterhouse was offering juicy odds for a Roosters victory. He and his family could be on bread and water for the week given the price offered before kick-off.

One statistic to come out of the match, which will be no surprise to all of you, is that we lost another penalty count.

It was bad enough that we had to play without Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney, Michael Jennings and Jared Warea-Hargreaves, but to have to contend with a lopsided penalty count yet again, and win, made it even sweeter.

To put things into perspective, the Roosters have won two out of fourteen penalty counts this season. Just take a moment, have a sip of your coffee, and digest this statistic. Two penalty counts in the first fourteen matches. That is an incredible statistic.

It is amazing to think that we are sitting in third place and have the best defence (Manly have already had two byes).

If this doesn’t convince you of how far this side has come under coach Trent Robinson then nothing will. Being on the wrong end of penalty counts is nothing new for us.

The positive sign for us is that this team can overcome adversities and still win football games. Even in games lost we have been right in there with a chance of winning in the dying stages of the match.

The only exception was the opening round against Souths. With a half time penalty count of 6-1 against we were never really a chance.

The Roosters get a chance to skip clear of Manly at home this Monday night.

Easts to win.