• Home
• NRL Table
• NRL Draw
• Power Rankings
• Forum
• About
• Email Us

Roosters stun Storm in grinder

Sydney Roosters 26 def Melbourne Storm 16

The Sydney Roosters have pulled off the upset of the NRL 2007 season tonight with a hard fought, grinding win over NRL leaders the Melbourne Storm.

Roosters coach Brad Fittler now equals the current NRL record for sequential wins by a coach taking over mid-season. He shares the record with former Manly coach Peter Sharp, who jointly holds the record after taking over from Bob Fulton at Manly in 1999.

Fittler had the Roosters primed for this contest, they bolted out of the gates and played a physical, committed style for which the Melbourne Storm had no answer. Man of the match Braith Anasta spoke after the match about the belief Freddy Fittler has instilled in the club, as they sent the Storm home with their tails between their legs. The Roosters handing other clubs a blueprint for how to beat the Melbourne Storm - through a controlled game of simplicity, gang tackling and good field position - through smart touch finders from tackle 5.

First Half:
The Roosters started the game with the expected enthusiasm, hitting the Storm with brutal front on defence and gang tackling in most cases. With speed off the defence line and numbers into tackles - the Roosters looked similar to yesteryear when they pioneered the brutal gang tackle style.

The Storm seemed a little put off the Roosters style and through frustration and lack of possession they gave away a couple of penalties that kept the Roosters on the early roll.

The Roosters began to take advantage of their early possession, touching down through Anthony Topou on a nice wide movement, then a 5m charge from Ashley Harrison saw them score again near the posts, after a good dummy run from Craig Wing that drew several Storm tacklers.

When the Roosters scored again through John Williams out wide, the score was 20-0 to the Sydney City Roosters and Melbourne were absolutely shell-shocked. Fittler’s game plan looked to be going well, the Roosters finding touch on most final tackles - keeping Anthony Quinn busy in his corner.

The possession evened out slightly towards the end of the first half, the Storm getting some quality ball from penalties and managing to score a scrappy try off a Rooster fumble late in the half. The Roosters defence answering all that the Storm could throw at them in the first period.

Second Half:
The Roosters maintained their up-tempo and committed style of play and continued to dig in for the second half. As the half wore on, it became a grinding war of attrition - the flamboyant Melbourne Storm seemingly lost, in a style of game they aren’t used to. Used to leading by big margins in most matches, the Storm didn’t know how to handle the dog fight and changed their style.

Instead of their usual pinpoint kicks and sweeping, precise attacking plays - the Storm chipped too early, threw hospital passes and sent their wide men into touch. The Roosters also struggled with 5th tackle options - but were doing enough in defence and adjusted to the arm wrestle much better than the Storm did.

The clock became the Storms enemy, they pushed the envelope and just couldn’t remain calm in the face of a defeat. The outcome and reluctance of the Storm to adjust to a grinding style game of NRL - will play on the mind of Craig Bellamy and his officials. A style that is always seen in semi-finals and grand finals in the NRL.

Match 2; Canberra Stadium

Canberra Raiders 34 def Penrith Panthers 30

It was scrappy in patches, a quality of NRL certainly a few pegs down from the previous Roosters and Storm clash - but flashes of brilliance from the Raiders and a minute occasional sprinkling from the Panthers gave some excitement to fans.

The Raiders continue to win well at home, the scoreline flattering the Panthers who ran in 2 late tries. The Panthers will certainly deserve their wooden spoon this year - the Matt Elliott coached side looking woeful on many occasions. Silly offloads, dropped ball and a continuing lapse in concentration at crucial times will see Penrith struggle to win any more games this season.

Reports after the game suggest their were racial slurs made by the Canberra crowd towards the Penrith team and Panthers officials have lodged an official complain with the NRL over the matter.

The full match report courtesy of AAP is below:

CANBERRA were denied three tries by the video referee but still managed to hold out National Rugby League cellar dwellers Penrith 34-30 at Canberra Stadium tonight.

Video ref Chris Ward refused Raiders centre Colin Best twice in the first half while replacement forward Tom Learoyd-Lahrs was ruled to have been held up after dashing 25 metres to cross the line early in the second half.

But it did not stop the Raiders, who have struggled with consistency throughout the season, from maintaining their strong home record in a game where the score board failed to show the true extent of Canberra’s dominance.

Penrith held the lead only once, in the first half, before the Raiders grabbed two late tries to head 18-10 at the break.

A hat-trick to centre Phil Graham and moments of individual brilliance from five-eighth Todd Carney and winger Bronx Goodwin help inspire the Raiders to a convincing win.

Goodwin left Penrith’s Richie Williams bright red with embarrassment in the first half when he snuck under Williams’ watch to ground a down field kick as the Panthers fullback stood over it, waiting for the ball to run dead.

In the second half, Carney showed what the Raiders have missed for a good portion of the season when he stepped around a string of Panthers defenders and sprinted 40 metres to score.

While Best was twice denied his centre partner Graham was red hot in just his second match back from a lengthy injury lay-off.

As good centres do, Graham was always in the right place to finish off work started in the middle of the field by Carney and halfback Michael Dobson.

Penrith came home strongly in the final 10 minutes with three tries against lacklustre Canberra defence, but it will be little consolation for coach Matt Elliott in his first game back at the capital since leaving the Raiders at the end of last season.

Freddy discusses his chances against the Storm

An interview with Brad Fittler before tonights NRL clash with the Melbourne Storm. ‘Freddy’ talks about what he has changed at the Roosters since taking over from Chris Anderson and discusses his chances against the Storm and how he plans to deal with the Melbourne juggernaut.

Brad Fittler is currently 2 wins fro 2 wins as the Sydney Roosters coach, a win tonight would see Brad Fittler equal the record currently held by former NRL coach Peter Sharp (Manly 1999) - as the most wins in sequence after taking over during a mid-season coach change.

Can Freddy weather the Storm?

Can Freddy Fittler continue his magical coaching run? Will his players continue to respond and believe they can topple the might of the Melbourne Storm? It makes for great theatre and with the match being played in Sydney, if the Roosters get a positive start - then they are a chance to certainly compete with the form side of the NRL. Last week the Sharks and Broncos proved how lowly rated teams can still have a chance of winning, with possession, discipline and some luck - allowing any given NRL team on their day to compete closely in a contest.
Referee Sean Hampstead’s style will probably suit the free flowing game of the Melbourne Storm, however their continued winning streak must be unsettling nerves in the Storm camp - with similarities to last years run.

The Roosters has a good head to head stat with 7 wins over the Storm and 8 wins for Melbourne.

2007 form for both teams is as follows; with the Storm only dropping 2 matches all season.

Roosters: LLLLLBWLWLWLWWLLLWW
Storm: WWWWWWWLWWLWWWWBWWW

The Storm continue to have the ability to win even with several key players missing and as those players start to return to the squad, they are looking extremely formidable.

Individual player contests:

The combination of Craig Wing and Braith Anasta in the halves has seen the Roosters look much more structured and is working better than previous combinations earlier in 2007, however their opponents in Cooper Cronk and Greg Inglis will be tough to match. Cronk and Inglis are young and daring - it will be an interesting match-up with the hold stagers of Wing and Anasta.

Both teams have impressive backs rows in Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon and Ashley Harrison (along with Nate Myles on the bench) for Sydney City up against the Storm’s Origin backrowers Ryan Hoffman and Dallas Johnson.

Lopini Paea has easily been the Roosters best forward - piercing the line at will and earning a starting spot under Fittler and match-up with Ben Cross and Brett White should be a cracker.

The worries for the Roosters will be in the outside backs where their slightly in-experienced members face the quality of Geyer, King, Turner, Folau and Slater.

Fittler has settled the halves problem with the experience of Wing and Anasta - giving the Roosters much more direction, however its the passion and enthusiasm that has lifted the Sydney City club to the two previous wins.

Fittler and his squad know that if they can take down the no.1 side in the NRL in Melbourne - then both players and coach will received the kudos they crave.

Fittlers use of the interchange has been impressive so far - with bench players getting into the action much earlier than under Anderson. Myles, Nutley and Sa having key roles in the game from the bench tonight.

Cameron Smith is the overall key to this match - if the Roosters can nullify the best hooker in th world; they will be well on their way to winning this one.

NRL News

Cayless on leave after losing mother

Sadly last night the mother of Nathan and Jason Cayless; Marlene Cayless passed away.

Parramatta forward and captain Nathan Cayless has been given permission to take indefinite leave from all Eels training and matches. The Eels have indicated they will wear black armbands in this weekends match against Manly as a mark of respect for the passing of Mrs Cayless.

Our thoughts are with the Cayless family at this sad time and hope the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

NRL News

NRL Judiciary: Donnelly ok, Friend gone

The NRL Judiciary tonight found in favour of Ian Donnelly, exonerating him of his grapple tackle charge - the Gold Coast Titans forward is now free to play in this weekends match against Souths. Teammate Nathan Friend however was found guilty of a high tackle and will miss the crucial match.

NRL News

ARU chases Josh Hannay

Former Queensland Origin centre Josh Hannay is reportedly being chased by Rugby Union ranks for a position in their code next year.

ARU officials are keen to poach another star to partner Timana Tahu in the centres next year and with Rugby Union quality stocks remaining low - the mail is the ARU will swoop on the available Hannay.

Josh Hannay recently cut from the Cronulla Sharks after an unhappy stint this year would be ideally suited to the Union game - his size and defensive efficiency a much needed boost to struggling ARU stocks.

NRL News

Joel Monaghan signs with Raiders

Sydney Rooster Joel Monaghan has today signed with former club the Canberra Raiders and will return home to the ACT and play with the Green Machine for the next 3 years.

The move home for the younger Monaghan brother will hopefully assist the Raiders in attracting other NRL talent to the Nationals Capital in the coming years. Something that has been almost impossible in recent years.

NRL Power Rankings for Round 19

The Grubber returns today with his weekend review, an NRL Power Rankings that sees the Gold Coast Titans flounder to the bottom of the list and the Parramatta Eels sneak up into second place according to the Grubber.

Danny Wiedler also cops the wrath of the Grubber as Sonny Bill Williams was taken down by ‘Danny Whistleblower’ this week on a Channel 9 news story.

NRL Power Rankings: after Round 19, 2007 (By The Grubber)

1. Melbourne Storm: The juggernaut continues to roll on and it seems that only a breakout of the ebola virus within their playing ranks will prevent them from claiming the premiership. Every other side looks to be playing for second right now. Power score: 9.5/10, Odds that Melbourne will host a ticker tape parade for the Storm a la the Sydney Swans in 2005: 1000-1.

2. Parramatta Eels: Winning in Brisbane is always a tough prospect - Lockyer or not. They did it with aplomb, despite a late charge from the home side. Smith seems to be settling into some kind of consistency and if he is prepared to take on the line the Eels should prosper. Will be tough at home this Sunday against old rivals Manly. Power score: 8.5/10, Odds that Tooheys will revisit their clash “Manly and Parra” ad from the mid 80’s: We wish.

3. New Zealand Warriors: Right now the most consistent side in the NRLEM (National Rugby League Excluding Melbourne). Blew the Tigers off the park on Sunday with great second phase play and good control of the ruck area. Power score: 8.5/10, Odds that Paul Simpkins will be asked to front at an Auckland home game any time soon: 100-1.

4. Canterbury Bulldogs: Looked slick against Gold Coast and their dominant forward pack will be crucial to their success in a tough run home. Hard to see them not being able to get the necessary victories to secure a finals berth. Power score 8/10, Odds that SBW would ever talk to Danny Wielder (aka Ronald McDonald) about his career as suggested by Nine news on Monday night: 1000-1.

5. Manly Sea Eagles: Beat the “Curse of the Cement Truck” in a hard fought win against a gutsy Sharks side. Will need to limit their handling errors and play better football around the ruck though if they are to have a chance of knocking off another hoodoo by beating Parramatta at Parramatta in this weekend’s match of the round. Power score: 7.5/10, Odds of Parramatta giving Manly any kind of pre-game training field at all: 100-1.

6. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Were at their dour best against the Cowboys and their resolute defence managed to cruel one of the most explosive offensive sides in the NRL. Face an easy run home and their destiny is in their own hands at this stage. Power score: 7.5/10, Odds of Russell Crowe starring in “The Sum of Us” remake with Dean Widders.

7. Brisbane Broncos: Made it hard for themselves by giving away an early lead to the Eels and will rue their lack of intensity at the beginning of the game. Not the same side without Karmichael Hunt and Darren Lockyer and will need Michael Ennis to be at his absolute best (whatever that is) in order to challenge for a top 4 spot. Power score: 7/10, Odds of Wayne Bennett hanging on in Brisbane if they miss the 8 (despite his contract running until 2008): 20-1.

8. North Queensland: Not giving their fans a great deal of hope at the moment and without a home final their premiership campaign may well be sunk. Defence needs tightening up if they are to match the top sides. Power score: 7/10, Crowd figure at Leichhardt last time North Queensland played there: 4,724.

9. Wests Tigers: Return of Benji Marshall and Brett Hodgson should resurrect their season and the more experienced players will need to do everything they can to settle down the rookies. Remains to be seen whether safety first football is within their bag of tricks. Power score: 7/10, Odds that Brett Hodgson will be pensioned off to England: 3-1.

10. Sydney City Roosters: Showed real class to play for the full 80 minutes to beat Newcastle. Friday night will prove how much staying power there is in “let’s do it for Freddy”. Only a remote finals chance but their recent resurgence should bring a reasonable crowd against Melbourne. Power score: 6.5/10, Odds that Fittler will tour with the All Golds at the end of year: Not as much of a long shot as you might think.

11. St George-Illawarra: Return of Mark Gasnier seemed to inspire the troops in manner of Brad Fittler coaching the Roosters. Look to have a lot of depth in their backline and may prove a later season annoyance for top 8 sides much like Newcastle in 2005. Power score: 6/10, Odds that Nathan Brown will sound out David Peachey in the off season about a return to the NRL: 5-1.

12. Penrith Panthers: Were sloppy offensively and defensively in their loss to the Dragons. Flat out trying to avoid the spoon with the resurgence of the Roosters and St George-Illawarra and will be relying on another Bulldogs salary cap rort to climb off the bottom. Power score: 5.5/10, Odds that another high profile Penrith forward will depart the club before the end of the season: 10-1.

13. Canberra Raiders: Never quite got into their groove against Melbourne and a spate of penalties cost them dearly. A week to week proposition right now, but the finals appears to be out of reach. Power score: 5.5/10, Percentage of times Canberra 1) makes the finals or 2) avoids the spoon every time some idiot columnist writes them off: 100%.

14. Cronulla Sharks: Rickies spare parts Sharks really stepped up against Manly on Friday night and may challenge some of their regular first graders for their spots. On the line this weekend for a finals berth. Power score: 5/10, Amount of free tickets Cronulla will give away to get more than 5000 fans to their home games: 10,000.

15. Newcastle Knights: In danger of missing the finals through poor execution and inability to focus for the duration of a match. Absence of Danny Buderus isn’t helping their cause. Hard to see what impact they could have even if they do make the 8. Power score: 4/10, Odds that Andrew Johns will overcome “neck” injury in manner of 2003 season to make a return: 10-1.

16. Gold Coast Titans: Inevitable lack of depth seems to taken its toll on the fledgling club and they will be up against it on Saturday night. Have fought gallantly to get this far but will be praying for the season to end if they lose this weekend. Power score: 4/10, Odds of “Titanic Struggle” headline surfacing this weekend if Gold Coast can nail a tight victory: 2-1.

Yours in League,
The Grubber

Bronco Blast Backfires

The outbursts by Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett and players Petero Civoniceva and Darren Lockyer who claimed Eel Jarryd Hayne had feigned injury - backfired badly today when the NRL match review committee cleared Jarryd Hayne and approached the Broncos with a ‘please explain’ over their player Michael Ennis.

Michael Ennis was brushed by Eel Fui Fui Moi Moi after getting a kick away, Ennis going down injured then quickly taking a peek at the referee before remaining down.

When no penalty was given to the Broncos, Ennis quickly rejoined his defensive line and showed no ill-effects.

The move comes more as a slap in the face for Bennett and the Broncos who were insistent their side do not feign injury to attract penalties. The jury is still out on Jarryd Hayne - but the Broncos certainly should not be the ones pointing the finger.

It was surprising to see even Darren Lockyer who wasn’t even on the field come out and attack Hayne - the Broncos obviously felt strongly about the issue, if they are serious about the situation then half back Michael Ennis should be dropped from this weeks line-up.

NRL News

NRL Round 20 Teams Lineups 2007

Below; teams and lineups for NRL round 20, 2007(all times AEST):

FRIDAY
SYDNEY ROOSTERS v MELBOURNE STORM at Sydney Football Stadium, 7.30pm
ROOSTERS: Sam Perrett, Amos Roberts, Mitchell Aubusson, Joel Monaghan, John Williams, Braith Anasta, Craig Wing, David Shillington, Heath L’Estrange, Lopini Paea, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (captain), Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Danny Nutley, Nate Myles, Setimata Sa, Shane Shackleton.
STORM: Billy Slater, Steve Turner, Matt King, Matt Geyer, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Ben Cross, Cameron Smith, Brett White, Jeremy Smith, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Jeff Lima, Adam Blair, Clint Newton, Anthony Quinn, James Aubusson, Garret Crossman (two to be omitted).
Referee: Sean Hampstead

CANBERRA RAIDERS v PENRITH PANTHERS at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm
RAIDERS: William Zillman, David Milne, Phil Graham, Colin Best, Bronx Goodwin, Todd Carney, Michael Dobson, Troy Thompson, Lincoln Withers, Scott Logan, Nigel Plum, Glen Turner, Alan Tongue (captain). Interchange: Marshall Chalk, Dane Tilse, Josh Miller, Michael Weyman, Joe Picker, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (three to be omitted)
PANTHERS: Richie Williams, Geoff Daniela, Michael Jennings, Maurice Blair, Nick Youngquest, Peter Wallace, Craig Gower (captain), Frank Puletua, Keith Peters, Bryan Norrie, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Tim Grant, Matthew Bell, Mark Halloran, Joel Clinton, Paul Aiton (one to be omitted).
Referee: Paul Simpkins

SATURDAY
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at EnergyAustralia Stadium, 7.30pm
WARRIORS: Wade McKinnon, Michael Crockett, Jerome Ropati, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, George Gatis, Steve Price (captain), Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Wairangi Koopu, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Nathan Fien.
KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, George Carmont, Adam MacDougall, Cooper Vuna, Brad Tighe, Luke Walsh, Mitchell Sargent, Terence Seu Seu, Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson, Cory Paterson, Zeb Taia. Interchange: Michael Young, Kirk Reynoldson, Jesse Royal, Daniel Tolar, Daniel Abraham (one to be omitted).
Referee: Jared Maxwell

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v BULLDOGS at WIN Stadium, 7.30pm
DRAGONS: Ben Hornby (captain), Jason Nightingale, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Mark Gasnier (captain), Jamie Soward, Justin Poore, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles, Beau Scott, Chris Houston, Ben Creagh. Interchange: Adam Peek, Rangi Chase, Dan Hunt, Corey Payne, Lagi Setu (one to be omitted).
BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Cameron Phelps, Ben Roberts, Brent Sherwin, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Chris Armit, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (captain), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Adam Perry, Nick Kouparitsas, Brad Morrin, Fred Briggs.
Referee: Ben Cummins
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Telstra Stadium, 7.30pm
RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Fetuli Talanoa, Nigel Vagana, Shannon Hegarty, Paul Mellor, Ben Rogers, Eddie Paea, Peter Cusack (captain), Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi (captain), John Sutton, David Fa’alogo, Dean Widders. Interchange: Shane Rigon, Luke Stuart, Shannan McPherson, Scott Geddes.
TITANS: Chris Walker, Jake Webster, Luke O’Dwyer, Brett Delaney, Smith Samau, Preston Campbell, Josh Lewis, Luke Bailey (captain), Nathan Friend, Ian Donnelly, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke Swain. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Daniel Conn, Gavin Cooper, Josh Graham, Kris Kahler, James Stosic (two to be omitted).
Referee: Gavin Badger

SUNDAY
BRISBANE BRONCOS v SHARKS at Suncorp Stadium, 2pm
BRONCOS: Denan Kemp, Steve Michaels, Darius Boyd, Nick Emmett, Craig Frawley, Tonie Carroll, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva (captain), Corey Parker, Brad Thorn, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Dane Carlaw, Dave Taylor, Nick Kenny, Sam Thaiday, Ian Lacey, Shane Perry (two to be omitted).
SHARKS: Mitch Brown, David Simmons, Ben Pomeroy, Fraser Anderson, Luke Covell, Henry Perenara, Brett Seymour, Luke Douglas, Kevin Kingston, Craig Stapleton, Paul Gallen, Cameron Ciraldo, Reece Williams. Interchange: Eddie Su’a, Jacob Selmes, Dayne Weston, Isaac De Gois.
Referee: Steve Clark

PARRAMATTA EELS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at Parramatta Stadium, 3pm
EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Ben Smith, Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (captain), Mark Riddell, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ian Hindmarsh, Feleti Mateo. Interchange: PJ Marsh, Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson, Aaron Cannings, Weller Hauraki (one to be omitted).
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (captain), Mark Bryant, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Glenn Hall, Adam Cuthbertson, Steve Menzies, Jack Afamasaga.
Referee: Tony Archer

MONDAY
WESTS TIGERS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Leichhardt Oval, 7pm
TIGERS: Brett Hodgson (captain), Daniel Fitzhenry, Dean Collis, Paul Whatuira, Chris Lawrence, John Morris, Benji Marshall, Keith Galloway, Robbie Farah, Bryce Gibbs, Taniela Tuiaki, Chris Heighington, Liam Fulton. Interchange: Ben Galea, Dene Halatau, Bronson Harrison, Ben Te’o.
COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Scott Minto, Ashley Graham, Paul Bowman, Brenton Bowen, Ben Farrar, Johnathan Thurston (captain), Ray Cashmere, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Sam Faust, Justin Smith, Sione Faumuina. Interchange: David Faiumu, Scott Bolton, Matt Bartlett, Matthew Scott.
Referee: Shayne Hayne

NRL News

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Email Us: NRLFeedback@gmail.com NRL News - Rugby League · · Login - NRL Results - NRL Rugby League - Sitemap