SG Ball: Bulldogs star centre Paul Alamoti double secures win over Sydney Roosters

Remember the name Paul Alamoti. The explosive young centre is quickly climbing the ranks at Belmore and his performance in Round 1 of the SG Ball Cup put rivals on notice.

Jocelyn Airth

2 min read

February 6, 2021 - 5:03PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Paul Alamoti dazzled in the opening round for Canterbury. Picture: David Swift.

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It’s crazy to think young Paul Alamoti hadn’t run out for the Bulldogs for 11 months.

COVID-19 forced NSWRL to cancel junior representative competition in March last year and despite the lack of footy, Canterbury’s explosive centre hasn’t missed a beat.

The local junior, who dominated the Harold Matthews Cup in 2019 and 2020, scored a double to inspire the Bulldogs’ 24-16 win against the Sydney Roosters as Round 1 of the SG Ball Cup kicked off on Saturday.

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FULL LIST: THE SG BALL STARS TO WATCH IN 2021

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— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) February 6, 2021

Paul Alamoti roars after one of his two tries. Picture: David Swift.

Alamoti immediately excited spectators at Belmore when he popped a nice ball to winger Brendon Taupuai to score early.

The big centre then threw an offload in a frantic seven-pass play that ended with fullback Kai Brady spinning over.

Second-rower Lleyton Borg was next to cross and secure Canterbury a comfortable 14-0 lead at halftime.

But there was plenty to like about the Roosters, who fielded an explosive centre of their own who set off a courageous comeback.

Roosters captain Thomas Deakin looks to offload. Picture: David Swift.

Local product Jordan Swann charged down a line and beat four defenders to get his side on the board.

The strong centre, part of Waverley College’s 2020 CAS Rugby-winning side, made another brilliant run to set up five-eighth Sandon Smith over.

Fullback Ethan King sliced through to put the Chooks within reach, but it was left too late.

Alamoti bolted over for his two tries and then kicked a penalty goal to seal the deal for the Dogs.

Around the grounds, Manly, Wests, Newcastle and South Sydney SG Ball sides also secured Round 1 victories.

Try scorer Brendan Tapuai with the ball. Picture: David Swift.

HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP

The Magpies ran amok in their 38-4 demolition of the Bears – the side’s eight tries were scored by seven players and winger Alosomu Lolohea bagged a double. But the injury-struck Balmain Tigers fell to a strong Central Coast Roosters outfit 38-16.

TARSHA GALE CUP

The Roosters Indigenous Academy will be tough to beat in 2021. Winger Charlize Lloyd-Phillips starred, scoring a hat trick in the side’s massive 42-0 victory over Canterbury. Just imagine what they’ll do when co-captain Keilee Joseph returns from her time with the NRL Women’s Indigenous All Stars side.