Late drama in clash between Roosters and Broncos divides NRL fans

In a game that truly had it all, the Roosters managed to avoid what would’ve been their second upset loss to the Broncos this season.

The Roosters have grabbed the two points in controversial circumstances and, in doing so, have moved into the NRL’s top four. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Roosters goalkicker Adam Keighran became the accidental hero with a stunning penalty goal with 57 seconds remaining to secure a crazy 21-20 victory over the Broncos and take his side into the top four.

In a drama charged final seven minutes the lead changed three times.

Victor Radley’s woes against the Brisbane Broncos continued when Selwyn Cobbo landed a 77th minute penalty after the Roosters lock was put on report for attacking the legs of Albert Kelly as he was attempting a field goal.

That was moments after a Sam Walker field goal in the 73rd minute against his old club had lifted the Roosters to a 19-18 lead.

An incredible James Tedesco masterclass proved the difference in a titanic battle.

Tedesco scored a try, set one up and was in everything on his way to running for 222m. It was the Teddy Show.

For one man to be everywhere on the park, and all the time, did not seem possible. Tedesco does the impossible but his best play was a captain’s challenge at the death when Thomas Flegler was ruled to have attacked the head of Sitili Tupouniua when he dropped the ball. Keighran did the rest.

Roosters half Sam Walker was well contained in the first half against his old club as Tedesco stepped up to make key plays, including a 31st minute grubber for Dale Copley to score against the team he left just weeks ago to level it up at 12-all at half-time as the two teams .

The Roosters were dominated in the forwards without Jared Waerea-Hargraves and Angus Chrichton as a Payne Haas-inspired Broncos took it to them.

Brisbane took the lead through Albert Kelly in the second half before Tedesco trailed Siosiua Taukeiaho to level it up at 18-all before the crazy final seven minutes unfolded.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said it was a “wild game” but he was just happy ice man Keighran was the man for the big moment.

“They dream of that kickers, that opportunity to get into the position to win a game, and Adam is just getting started,” Robinson said.

“He hasn’t had many of those opportunities at NRL level but he is a beautiful kicker of the ball and absolutely nailed it. It is a real tip of the cap to Adam.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters said his side wasn’t robbed by the final call.

“That is the way the game goes. Footy can be cruel, it can also be a great game sometimes,” he said

“I am just really proud of the march forward the club is taking and particularly with the players. I was proud of their effort for 80 minutes.”

Tedesco led his side with aplomb. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Teddy terrific

Since the Origin series ended Tedesco has been a tower of power for the Roosters, often willing them to victory with his constant presence around the ball. He plays the game with no thought for self-preservation and continues to drag his team out of the diciest of situations. Against the Broncos he did everything in his considerable power to get them over the line. It was a genius display.

Radley revenge

Despite being put on report, Radley got his revenge on the Broncos.

Roosters firebrand Radley had a target on his head in his ding-dong round two rumble with Brisbane.

There was no Tevita Pangai Junior for him to joust with on this occasion but Broncos banana farmer Tom Flegler stepped in to fill the breach.

Radley was sensationally put on report four times, sin-binned twice and ultimately suspended for five games in the shock 34-16 loss to the Broncos in round 11.

The Roosters lock forward was in the thick of it early for good and bad reasons. He dropped the ball cold in the sixth minute and shortly afterwards was on the end of a bellringer from Flegler who was belatedly placed on report by the bunker for the shot.

Radley then resisted calls to come to the sideline for an HIA and waved the trainer away. He played often as a third half to create as many chances as he could.

Robinson said Radley’s play on Kelly was not one he was too concerned about, while conceding it was a penalty.

“Rads was innocent with what he was trying to do and there was no injury to Albert,” he said.

The Broncos pushed the finals-bound Roosters for the entire 80 minutes. Picture: NRL Images

Roosters revival

Season ending injuries to Luke Keary and Lindsay Collins, combined with the retirements of premiership-winning trio Brett Morris, Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, would have finished off any other side’s finals hopes.

Throw in the other players unavailable for this game and the Tricolours have done well just to be in the top four conversation.

The Roosters’ win has put the heat on the fading Parramatta Eels ahead of their blockbuster clash with old rivals with Manly on Saturday night. Now in the top four for the first time since round eight, the Tricolours have given themselves a shot at challenging for the title when a month ago they were four points adrift of the Eels and looking down the barrel of almost certain sudden death finals.

Originally published as Late drama in clash between Roosters and Broncos divides NRL fans