Sydney Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary

Asserting their recent dominance further, the Sydney Roosters won another World Club Challenge, their second in a row.

Some early penalties against the Roosters and a poor start gave St Helens the momentum they needed.

It was NRL bound prop Luke Thompson who scored the first try after good lead-up play from halfback Theo Fages.

Two quick tries in succession for the Roosters saw them take the lead and go up 8-6.

A well-constructed shortside play saw Luke Keary provide the ball on a platter for winger Daniel Tupou.

Kyle Flanagan then turned provider for the second try to find Joseph Manu for his first, giving the Roosters a narrow lead.

Some resolute defence from both sides coupled with errors saw ample opportunities to score but they were denied.

In the end, it was Manu’s second try that most likely sealed the win for the Roosters.

His second was the more impressive as he took the line on and carried defenders over the line to score.

The icing on the cake then came when Victor Radley & Sio Siua Taukeiaho combined for Keary to score.

There was a final consolation for St Helens, though, as Alex Walmsley scored late on but it was too little, too late.

“We knew we were chasing a bit of history with the two in a row,” said Keary.

“I think five for the Roosters, so this one was pretty special for us.

“It definitely wasn’t give to us. We were basically on the back foot for that entire second half.”

Saints head coach Kristian Woolf was pleased with his side’s effort but rued missed opportunities.

“Very proud of the effort,” said Woolf.

“For long periods of that game, I thought we were well on top physically.

“We created a lot of good opportunities and were good defensively, but when we had those opportunities, we just didn’t ice a couple of them tonight.”

By ricky

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