Blake Ferguson

It was simply a case of making it look easy, as the Sydney Roosters came away with a comfortable win over the Canberra Raiders.

In front of a vocal home crowd at Allianz Stadium, the Raiders were on the back foot the entire game and simply had no chance for a rampant Roosters side. They won the game 34-6 and showed just how good they can be when they are firing on all cylinders.

Impressively, it was young forward Dylan Napa who again showed his defensive prowess, much like he has done so far this season.

Although the Raiders fought well, it was clear that they still have work to do, especially when they come up against the elite sides of the competition.

The Roosters momentum continued to build throughout the game on the back of work from halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, which pleased coach Trent Robinson.

“The boys were experimenting with the footy and also playing some really strong footy,” he said.

He praised Pearce further, highlighting his efforts in creating tries and attacking opportunities.

“He was in control of our whole attack so he had to keep us on track while we were trying lots of different stuff… we were never lost at all and that’s down to Junior (Pearce).”

Effort is not the issue out Raiders way if you ask coach Ricky Stuart. Rather, it is poor ball control and a lack of execution that is costing them.

“The first half we got down there seven times and didn’t execute correctly… we dropped the ball five times out of seven,” he said.

“There’s no concern with me about the boys with their effort… they’re a proud squad and they’re disappointed with themselves.”

Seeing how far off the pace they were, Stuart knows that the goal has to be to create a team as dynamic and potent as the Roosters outfit.

“That’s where our aspiration has got to be,” he said.

“There’s my goal and the benchmark I have to set for my club.

“We’ve got to aspire to have that type of roster if we ever think we’re going to be a top four team.”

Player of the Game:

3. Blake Ferguson
2. Daniel Tupou
1. Jordan Rapana

Sydney Roosters 34 (Kenny-Dowall, Tuivasa-Sheck, Ferguson, Jennings, Maloney, Tupou; Maloney 5 goals) defeated Canberra Raiders 6 (Croker; Croker 1 goal) at Allianz Stadium. Crowd: 9,582

By ricky

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