NRL 2020 results: Sydney Roosters def South Sydney Rabbitohs 28-12 to open title defence
It took a match-up with their arch rivals but the Sydney Roosters are on the board. The back-to-back premiers thumped Souths as James Tedesco won a knockout decision in the fullback battle with Latrell Mitchell.
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So there you have it Latrell. That’s how it’s done.
While Wayne Bennett was left to again defend his under-fire fullback, Trent Robinson conceded that the new six-to-go rule change has most likely made James Tedesco an even more dangerous player.
The game’s premier fullback was absolutely on fire as he scored a try and scorched 262 metres from 20 runs, while Latrell Mitchell tried his heart out but only finished with 76 metres with nine runs - and on the wrong side of a comprehensive 28-12 scoreboard.
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Asked if the new rule had made Tedesco more dangerous, Robinson agreed: “Yeah, it looked like there was a bit more freedom there.
“I’d say those runs that you see every game from Teddy where he might have two or three, he probably had five or six tonight.”
While it was the Roosters’ first win of the season, it was also a statement of their intentions.
With so much speculation on how the new six-to-go rule would impact the reigning premiers, they showed what a serious threat they will remain with Tedesco and Luke Keary instrumental in the big win with the ball, while their defence was full of energy and huge commitment.
“I felt the attitude that we gave to whatever happened was Roosters defence,” Robinson added.
“I think it was rock solid.
“People can talk about what is going to happen with the new rules but in the end your team and their attitude will decide.
“I felt that was a good start tonight in us wanting to be as good as any other year in defence.”
Inspirational co-captains Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner were also enormous, while the Morris boys Brett and Josh continue to amaze, and the wrecking ball that is Victor Radley continues to make his growing presence felt.
To their credit the Rabbitohs gave it all they had, but without the suspended Cody Walker and James Roberts they just didn’t have enough strike to really take on the Roosters, although their effort was top notch.
Young Kyle Flanagan also put the personal disappointment of his best mate, Bronson Xerri’s positive drug test, behind him to produce the most important performance of his young career.
But the Roosters will face a nervous wait after Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was placed on report for a high shot on Alex Johnston, while Radley could have a case to answer for a tremendous low driving tackle that ended awkwardly.
TEDDY V LATRELL
It’s no secret the major reason Latrell wanted out of the Roosters is because he had a dream to play fullback.
Well, on Friday night he got a lesson from the master.
With so much pressure on him going into the clash, Mitchell still looks a long way short of where Bennett would be hoping he can get, although his effort couldn’t be questioned.
He produced a wonderful touch of class for Cam Murray’s first half try, and pulled off a try saving effort on Keary that he probably wouldn’t have made prior to the break.
But other than that the opening 40 minutes passed him by with very little significant impact with the ball in his hands, not that Bennett was about to sit back and let him be singled out.
“We had another 16 players out there,” Bennett fired.
“You want to talk about any of them?
“Latrell is one of 17 guys. We all saw his performance.”
Robinson also defended his former player: “I thought he did well. I thought he really right to the end injected himself and was looking for opportunities.”
At one point Bennett gave him a spell to recharge on the wing but he played out the 80 minutes for the first time this season.
The question being asked outside the club is whether Bennett is right persisting playing him at fullback or returning him to the centres?
Not that all the debate in the world is going to change Bennett’s mind.
FLANAGAN’S FIGHTBACK
There was a moment where Flanagan crossed his arms to make the shape of an X after he landed a simple conversion in front of the posts.
It was hardly a statement to the world, but it would have given someone very close to him a lift.
It would have rated as one of the toughest weeks of young Flanagan’s life having to watch Xerri go through his ordeal.
But the Roosters halfback showed his resolve by producing probably his most important performance.
He scored a vital first half try and landed four goals, but more than that he continues to rise to the challenge that is replacing Cooper Cronk.
On Friday night was only Flanagan’s 12th top grade appearance, Cronk had won almost as many grand finals.
It was a vital win for the Chooks.
Since compulsory grand finals started in 1954 only the Cowboys in 2015 have won the comp after dropping their opening three games.