😂😂
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) September 22, 2018
Didn't watch the game, did you mascot? 🤨#9WWOS #NRLFinals #NRLRoostersRabbitohs pic.twitter.com/i6cI99Wm7e
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Live coverage: Roosters v Rabbitohs NRL grand final qualifier
The Roosters beat South Sydney to set up a clash with Melbourne Storm in the 2018 NRL grand final, but it was the actions of the Roosters mascot to pile more pain on Cooper Cronk's injured shoulder that had fans talking.
THE Sydney Roosters will meet Melbourne in the NRL grand final next Sunday after defeating South Sydney 12-4 despite carrying an injury Cooper Cronk for the second half.
Cronk could be in doubt for the decider after injuring his shoulder on a missed field goal attempt in the final minute of the first half on Saturday, but fought on in a heroic effort.
But fans were left wondering if the Roosters mascot even watched the game when he slapped Cronk on the injured shoulder after full-time, drawing a scream of agony from the Tricolours star. Check out the footage in the blog post below.
In front of a record crowd of 44,380 at Allianz Stadium, scores were locked at 4-all at halftime before tries to Blake Ferguson and late inclusion Paul Momirovski sealed victory.
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OUCH! ROOSTERS MASCOT PILES PAIN ON CRONK
It is all over for the Rabbitohs.
They pushed hard but in the end couldn't score a single try against a Roosters side who will next week get Dylan Napa and Latrell Mitchell back for the grand final against Melbourne Storm.
Will Cooper Cronk be fit with that shoulder to take on his old club?
FULL-TIME: ROOSTERS 12-4 RABBITOHS
It is all over for the Rabbitohs.
They pushed hard but in the end couldn't score a single try against a Roosters side who will next week get Dylan Napa and Latrell Mitchell back for the grand final against Melbourne Storm.
Will Cooper Cronk be fit with that shoulder to take on his old club?
77th MIN: ROOSTERS 12-4 RABBITOHS
Short kick-off from the Rabbitohs and they get it back!
But Cook is having a shocker. His service from dummy half is leaving a lot ot be desired as Reynolds knocks on a pass that was just too far in front of him.
The Bunnies turn around to earn a line drop-out but they have to score from this set.
And Murray knocks on.
Surely that is it.
72nd MIN: ROOSTERS 12-4 RABBITOHS
Possible try to young fella Paul Momirovski here after a high ball.
Campbell Graham and Tupou go high for the ball but it comes down for Momirovski to score.
Bunker is checking things but it sent upstairs as a try and there's the green light!
Ferguson misses the conversion.
Momirovski gets a Try as he cleans up the loose ball!#NRLRoostersSouths #NRLFinals#NRL pic.twitter.com/qZ2CqNPvre
— NRL (@NRL) September 22, 2018
69th MIN: ROOSTERS 8-4 RABBITOHS
Roosters get the ball in great position after a Damien Cook pass hits the deck.
And now a penalty to the Roosters after Cronk gets absolutely crunched off the ball by Junior Tatola. he lands awkwardly on that injured shoulder and he doesn't look good.
Taukeiaho steps up to add the extras from right in front and he sprays it wide! Oh dear.
64th MIN: ROOSTERS 8-4 RABBITOHS
A towering kick from Reynolds sails over tupou's head and into touch. He looks to have touched it but replays show he didn't.
Roosters with a 20m restart but JWH loses the ball again – on tackle zero no less.
Rabbitohs keep piling on the pressure.
There's been a two-car crash in Dulwich Hill this morning
Zane Tetevano loses the ball as the Roosters try and dig their way out of trouble and back-to-back penalties have the Rabbitohs deep in Tricolours territory again.
Rabbitohs right on top at the moment but need to convert this possession into points.
A Reynolds grubber kick earns a Roosters knock-on and the Bunnies will have another go.
What a play! Manu manages to fling Alex Johnston over the sideline and finally the Roosters see some ball.
59th MIN: ROOSTERS 8-4 RABBITOHS
Zane Tetevano loses the ball as the Roosters try and dig their way out of trouble and back-to-back penalties have the Rabbitohs deep in Tricolours territory again.
Rabbitohs right on top at the moment but need to convert this possession into points.
A Reynolds grubber kick earns a Roosters knock-on and the Bunnies will have another go.
What a play! Manu manages to fling Alex Johnston over the sideline and finally the Roosters see some ball.
56th MIN: ROOSTERS 8-4 RABBITOHS
Luke Keary looks to have taken over the kicking duties as Cronk relegates himself to purely a game management role at this stage.
And Cronk gets smashed on his left shoulder after being caught with the ball following a great defensive set from the Rabbitohs.
Bunnies get the ball on the Roosters 30m zone but end the set by losing the ball.
Reprieve for the Roosters.