Can the Roosters overcome being the most penalised team in the NRL?

After a heart wrenching loss to the Broncos, it’s time for coach Trent Robinson to regroup his Roosters for the Melbourne Storm. But can the tricolours overcome the rising penalty count?

Rooster's coach Trent Robinson shouts instructions during Sydney Roosters training at Allianz Stadium .Picture Gregg Porteous

After a heart wrenching loss to the Broncos, it’s time for the Roosters to regroup for the Melbourne Storm. We can be sure that they will provide stiff opposition.

The Storm have developed this reputation over a number of seasons under coach Craig Bellamy. The Roosters are in the process of building this under Trent Robinson.

Trent Robinson takes charge at a training session at Moore Park. Picture: Mark Evans

We should be very proud of what our coach is doing. If you saw him interviewed after it was announced that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was heading to the Warriors next season, you will agree.

At no stage did he complain. He simply stated that “we are the Roosters … we will be fine”. If this doesn’t give you confidence in the coach then nothing will.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who is leaving the Roosters after this season. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Back to what is happening on the field, it should be no surprise to you that the Roosters were once again on the receiving end of a lopsided penalty count, 9-5 in favour of the Broncos.

And, wait for it, the Roosters did not receive a single penalty in the second half. Just think about that for a moment.

After six rounds we have yet to win a penalty count. Not one. Can you believe that?

In today’s game, that makes it nearly impossible to compete under such adversity. The fact the Roosters lost in golden point is truly a remarkable performance. Sure, we were all disappointed at losing a second straight game, but in reflection we can be proud of the way they hung in there under such a barrage.

Sam Thaiday is stopped by the Roosters. Picture: Darren England.

Clubs such as Souths, Brisbane, Cronulla and Penrith have all lost only the one penalty count. The Roosters can only dream of such luxuries.

I read with interest a statistic that could explain why we are treated so harshly in this area. Since 2013 the Roosters have won 21 of 22 matches when having 50% possession or more. I will allow your creative minds to do the rest.

People can say that I harp on about the penalty count however the statistics do not lie.

Bronce Ben Hunt confronts the tackle of Roosters five-eighth James Maloney. Picture: Darren England

The next subject has also been making my blood boil for some time, and no doubt yours. Hands up those that are sick and tired of players staying down hoping to get a penalty via the video referee.

For years I was laughed at for being a follower of the round ball game. It was seen as a game for words that are no longer appropriate to print.

Now, in the game that is viewed as the toughest in the world, we have players feigning injury to get a penalty for their team. How times have changed.

Once again we can be proud of the coach for voicing his concerns on this growing epidemic in the game.

Easts to win.