Sydney Roosters set to drop five-try hero Matt Ikuvalu for Grand Final rematch
Despite scoring five tries in the game of a lifetime, Matt Ikuvalu is unlikely to line up again for the Roosters in the Grand Final rematch against the Canberra Raiders.
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He might have played the game of a lifetime, but Matt Ikuvalu is unlikely to be retained in the Roosters starting side for next week’s grand final rematch against Canberra.
The Tricolours newest cult hero became the first Rooster in 65 years to score five tries in a match in the 46-12 win over North Queensland on Thursday night but Ikuvalua is likely to drop out of the team after news Brett Morris will likely be fit to play.
Morris went down in the warm up with a groin injury and was a late scratching, paving the way for Ikuvalu’s unlikely heroics, but the Roosters confirmed on Friday the injury was not serious and the veteran flyer is expected to be available for selection next week.
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“Morris initially felt a strain during the week at training. Thankfully most minor groin strains are considered day to day, in that recovery can progress significantly with each day that passes,” said Brien Seeney of NRL Physio fame.
“Unfortunately in trying to hit top speed during warm up prior to the game he felt another twinge.
“Whilst it’s common for groin strain symptoms to linger and come and go they rarely result in significant time on the sideline.”
Ikuvalu is expected to revert back to 18th man - which is where he was supposed to be on Thursday night before Morris’ injury kicked off the most extraordinary night of the 26-year old’s career.
The Erina junior had scored just four tries in the NRL before Thursday night’s heroics.
He’s the first Rooster since Brian Allsop in 1955 to score five tries in a single match and just the fifth player to cross five times or more in a match in the club’s 112 year history.
MATCH REPORT: RAMPANT ROOSTERS CREATE HISTORY AGAINST COWBOYS
—Nick Walshaw
Once, youngsters grew up wanting to be astronauts. Or rock stars. But now, well, they dream of nothing but sitting on the Roosters right edge.
Or left. Doesn’t matter which.
Just ask Matty Ikuvalu.
Two years ago, this bloke was selling shoes on the Central Coast.
While even 20 minutes before Thursday Night Football, the 26-year-old was at such long odds of even taking the field against North Queensland, bookies would likely have offered double the number on his back – 21.
But by the finish?
Ikuvalu had scored five times.
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At least one of which involved contorting like we once saw a street performer go through an unstrung tennis racquet.
Which is some story.
Also the first time in 65 years a Roosters player has scored as many in a match. But what mattered as much, as usual, was what brought them about.
Specifically, the two Roosters megastars who have risen up to become the most dangerous duo outside Smith and Wesson – Luke Keary and James Tedesco.
Truly, how good are they?
On a night where the Tricolours were already without Boyd Cordner, and then had their Townsville flight sit a couple of hours on the runway, these reigning premiers also lost winger Brett Morris (groin) in the warm up and hooker Jake Friend (HIA) in the first half.
But still, they had Keary and Tedesco, who together made a yarn of Ikuvalu.
FIVE ALIVE
“It’s always a blessing to get a game with these boys,” the unlikely hero said afterwards.
“Unreal, and still a bit surreal. I’ve got 15 games at age 26, I’m happy with that.”
Asked when he knew he would be going on, the ex-Wyong Roo who almost quit the game in 2016 added: “In warm up.
“We had a little feeling yesterday in the captains run, he (Morris) didn’t pull up too well. But every time I warm up I know I have to be ready. I was just lucky”.
For the Roosters, Tedesco was outstanding.
Apart from playing a key hand in several Ikuvalu tries – one of which included a beautiful tap on – the Roosters No.1 also ran for 211m, made four tackle busts and generally caused chaos everywhere.
Ditto, Keary.
With the livewire No.6 bagging a double himself, while also kicking for that Ikuvalu fifth.
And, sure, the Cowboys were horrible.
But, please, keep your focus on stars like Siosiua Taukeiaho.
That hulking Roosters prop who may not be the world’s best. Maybe not even No.1 at Bondi Junction. But, geez, he has to be in the conversation — against the Cowboys running for 193m, orchestrating a try and generally proving a handful everywhere.
HAMMER
Sadly, we cracked out the Happy pants for nothing.
Hammer time?
Not quite.
Despite coming into this one amid a swirl of headlines, livewire Cowboys No.1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – aka The Hammer – rarely got a chance to showcase what is said to be rugby league’s fastest wheels.
All up, the rookie ran for just 29m.
Still, you know bigger things are to come.
Same deal with Valentine Holmes, whose ongoing ankle complaint saw him shifted to the wing before kick off, and then off after it was aggravated midway through the first half.
Also, a special mention for Cowboys No.13 Jason Taumalolo.
On a night where his side was abysmal, the Tongan powerhouse still ran for 227m, busted three tackles and tried his clacker off.
Undoubtedly, he deserved far more.
Like, say, a spot on the Roosters right edge.