‘It’s a nightmare’: HIAs, send off rock Roosters in absurd NRL carnage

The NRL world has been left utterly stunned after everything went wrong for the Roosters in a horror show against the Bulldogs.

The Sydney Roosters have almost pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NRL history in a 30-26 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.

With the Bulldogs celebrating the 20-year anniversary of their last premiership team in 2004, the Roosters came to the party in the worst way possible, finishing the opening 40 26-0 down with a Dom Young sent off and Sam Walker and James Tedesco ruled out with concussion.

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The Roosters lost a captain’s challenge in the opening 25 seconds before the Bulldogs scored three unanswered tries to open up an 18-0 lead against the premiership fancies.

And from there, it only got worse.

Halfback Walker was forced out of the game after an accidental knee from Stephen Crichton when he fell off a tackle after Viliame Kikau had passed to his captain.

Minutes later, Roosters skipper Tedesco was knocked out after he got his head into the wrong position as he attempted a cover tackle on a rampaging Kikau.

Crichton hit Walker accidentally with his knee. Photo: Fox Sports

Tedesco got his head in the wrong position. Photo: Fox Sports

There was plenty of concern for Tedesco, as he was assessed by doctors.

He was immediately ruled out of the match as well, although he was able to walk to the change rooms.

In the 27th minute, the news got even worse when star signing Dominic Young was sent off after an ugly high shot on Bulldogs fullback Blake Taaffe.

“If he’s hit him square in the head here, he’ll be off,” Steve Roach said in commentary.

“That’s hit him right on the chin. You watch the replay. In today’s game, he’s blindsided him, come in and got him right on the chops. That’s a send-off honestly.

“I know he’s coming in to try and make the difference, but on a much smaller bloke, swinging arm, hitting him on the chin.

“Gee, they’re going to be under the pump now the Roosters even more so if this is a send-off.”

And referee Grant Atkins had no choice, giving the Englishman his marching orders.

“There is no Sam Walker for the Roosters, there’s also no James Tedesco — it’s a nightmare for the Sydney Roosters,” Warren Smith said after Young was sent off.

Roach added: “I don’t think the referee had any option there.”

The hit on Taaffe. Photo: Fox Sports

Blake Taaffe was in a bad way. Photo: Fox Sports

At halftime, Yvonne Sampson called it: “Potentially the worst 40 minutes the Tri-Colours have ever experienced.”

Fox NRL sideline reporter Tiffany Salmond posted: “Did someone put a curse on the Roosters tonight? Everything that could go wrong is going wrong!”

Everyone looking at the score #NRLBulldogsRoosterspic.twitter.com/7gWmUY5HJ5

— The Cast Patrol (@thecastpatrol) April 5, 2024

Didn't think we could have a wilder game than last night...#NRLBulldogsRoosterspic.twitter.com/PSCfT9Nb7G

— Elliott Lovejoy (@ElliottLovejoy) April 5, 2024

The wild opening overshadowed the fact both clubs had players returning after a four-year drug ban.

The Bulldogs selected Bronson Xerri, who started in the centres, and the Roosters had to activate their 18th man Michael Jennings.

The 26-0 halftime score was certainly unexpected as well and was heading that way from the early onslaught from the Bulldogs.

Incredibly, Kikau had over 150m from just seven runs, including two line breaks and a try assist in his best game for the club.

But despite being a man down, the Roosters nearly pulled off the unthinkable, bringing the score back to 26-20 in the 57th minute as they looked like they were going to storm to the win.

In horrific conditions, players were dropping like flies with headknocks and injuries

When the Bulldogs’ Harrison Edwards was stretched off the field after falling off a tackle and seemingly being stepped on, Canterbury were able to right the ship with a Matt Burton try to get out to 30-20.

With eight minutes remaining, the job got even harder for the Roosters when Victor Radley was sin binned for a hip drop and yet the side was able to score through Daniel Tupou, setting up a grandstand finish.

However, the fairytale was not to be, as the Bulldogs held on for the win.