Sio Siua Taukeiaho

Showing that they are also premiership contenders, the Sydney Roosters have beaten the Wests Tigers comfortably, after a 33-8 win without getting out of second gear.

In a first-half that was laden with errors, mistakes and scrappy plays, both sides scored just 1 try apiece and failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Despite all that, the Roosters went in with an 8-4 half-time lead with a James Maloney penalty goal and a try apiece for both teams.

The game was not all sunshine and rainbows, though, as Tigers lock Martin Taupau launched a cheap swinging arm shot on Maloney whilst he was on the ground, resulting in players running in to stop a scuffle.

As a result, Taupau was sent to the bin and the Tigers finished the game with just 12 players on the field.

In front of just over 10,000 fans, the Roosters second half was the more clinical, as they executed better and put the pressure on the Tigers.

The Tigers were not helped by their own errors and discipline, with many leading to Roosters tries and attacking opportunities.

A bright light for the Tigers, though, continues to be James Tedesco. In what has been a disappointing season so far, his form has been consistent and he has been the club’s best player all season.

The loss means the Roosters cement their top 4 spot, whilst the Tigers still languish at the bottom of the ladder, hoping they can somehow elevate themselves up the ladder.

A late Maloney field goal and a second try to Roosters winger Brendan Elliott late on put the icing on the cake for the Tricolours.

Despite the 25-point loss, Tigers coach Jason Taylor was pleased with his side’s defensive resolve and attitude.

“I’m really happy with what we did defensively for the whole 80 minutes,” Taylor said.

“In the second half they got three tries and they had an enormous amount of possession in our half.”

Once again, it was the powerful runs and work of Taukeiaho that helped set the tone in attack and he drew praise from fellow forward, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

“Siua, Sammy [Moa], Isaac [Liu], those boys – we like to say we’re in ‘beast mode’. Siua, he’s playing outstanding, he just needs to continue what he’s doing and bring the right attitude each week,” said Waerea-Hargreaves.

“It just shows tonight what he’s capable of doing. He’s got some skills and some speed and some footwork and some size.”

Player of the Game:

3. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
2. Tim Simona
1. James Maloney/James Tedesco

Sydney Roosters 33 (Elliot 2, Tupou, Moa, Maloney tries; Maloney 5 goals; Maloney field goal) defeated Wests Tigers 8 (Tedesco, Richards tries). Half-time: Roosters 8-4. Crowd: 10,186. On report: Martin Taupau.

By ricky

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