NRL 2020, round 6 | Sydney Roosters defeat Parramatta Eels

Parramatta Eels winger Maika Sivo has produced one of the highlights of the season, and at the same time, a scary element for the game’s best player.

Make Sivo of the Eels charges through James Tedesco.

The Sydney Roosters have again flexed their premiership credentials with the “game of the season” in a phenomenal match at Bankwest Stadium.

The game was in the balance for most of the game but the Roosters pulled away in the final 20 minutes to claim a 24-10 win.

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But after going down 8-0 at the break, the Eels responded, scoring a second try with one try that will go into every highlights package.

On the fourth tackle, the ball swung from the right to the left with Michael Jennings breaking a tackle and passing to Maika Sivo, who steamrolled Roosters fullback and superstar James Tedesco.

Sivo scored in the corner, while Tedesco was left knocked out with the medicab called out, although he didn’t need it.

Tedesco hit his head hard on the ground and was unable to return to the game but by all reports was alright.

WATCH THE TRY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE.

In commentary, an excited Andrew Voss said: “Call an ambulance, maybe call a priest, Sivo has run over the top of Tedesco. What a moment at Bankwest.

“He just copped everything from Sivo. Bravely put his body on the line with Sivo full head of steam up.”

James Tedesco bravely stood up to the rampaging winger.

After an assessment, Tedesco even walked off the field in a great sign.

Post-match, Cooper Cronk said he was moved out of the way, while Michael Ennis said it was “shade of Meninga or Jonah Lomu — it was terrifying to see Sivo”.

Fans were blown away by the moment, both for Sivo’s barnstorming run and concern for Tedesco.

That’s one of my favourite tries In a long time. He got over and ended Teddy in one run! #NRLRoostersEels

— Joshua Wells (@joshuawells93) June 20, 2020

Did Sivo just kill the best player in the NRL? #NRLRoostersEels

— Travis Meyn (@travismeyn) June 20, 2020

Sivo! That man has a family!! I've heard of a "don't argue" but that fend off was something else. I feel like it should be called "The steamroller with how fiercely he ploughed over Teddy. I hope the lad is alright... #NRLRoostersEels

— Roy Ward (@rpjward) June 20, 2020

That ‘call a priest’ line in commentary after a play which leaves a player prone is questionable at best #NRLRoostersEels

— Rob Sutherland (@rob_sutherland3) June 20, 2020

Siiivvvooo 👏🏾 #NRLRoostersEels

— Petero Civoniceva (@PetCivo) June 20, 2020

Wow!!
Sivo, like trying to tackle a locomotive🚂
Hoping Tedesco is ok🙏🏼
This is one hell of a game #NRLRoostersEels

— Ashton Sims (@ashtonsims26) June 20, 2020

Even Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Tedesco was in the right spot but that it just didn’t come off.

“We were talking about what he could have done and he was actually really well prepared, he knew he had to brace, he knew he had to prepare himself for Sivo’s physicality close to the line there and it didn’t work,” he said. “A lot of courage in that but that’s why Sivo’s the player he is as well.”

But the huge moment appeared to take the air out of the balloon for the Eels as the Roosters again showed why they are two-time defending champions in a brilliant and tight match up.

It saw the Eels take the lead 10-8 after Mitchell Moses sideline conversion, but the Roosters hit back straight away as Boyd Cordner backed up a Luke Keary linebreak to snatch the lead back.

A pair of penalty goals made it 18-10 for the Roosters, with an Eels sin binning making it a bridge too far for Parramatta to come back as Daniel Tupou crossed to seal the result at the end of the game.

It spoils the Eels attempt to go six from six for the first time in club history.

But Anasta said the performance has proven the Eels are the real deal.

“Take nothing away from Parramatta, they’ve been enormous, unbelieveable,” he said. “If tonight was a yardstick, they’ve proven they’re there. They can win the competition, they’re in it well and truly up to their eyeballs.”