Mitchell Pearce

It was all about the Sydney Roosters in this clash, as they ran over the top of a disappointing Wests Tigers side, eventually winning the game 36-4 in front of almost 15,000 fans.

It was a three-try burst in the space of six minutes that sealed the deal, with the left edge in particular showing its worth.

Winger Daniel Tupou showed his aerial prowess and finishing ability with a hat-trick, with a potential NSW jumper looming for him on the back his form.

With so many Origin spots up for grabs from a NSW perspective, several players had something to prove and those that did, stepped up and made an impact for the Roosters.

Field position became the key as the Roosters toiled, worked hard and created opportunities for themselves to either score tries or set up solid attacking plays and repeat sets.

The first-half is where the Roosters shone and the whole game is where the Tigers were left to lick their wounds, in what was a rather dour performance on their behalf.

Although the effort was there on their behalf in the second half especially, it was not the sort of blow-out result the Tigers wanted or needed.

“I was really pleased with our effort in the second half, it could have been a really long second half but it wasn’t… we fought hard and never gave up,” Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor said.

“This was our biggest test this year… we’re playing against a team that are genuine premiership contenders.

“That was going to be a semi final type game and it was. And for us, to get that game, to get a chance to play in a game like that in May was great. We’re disappointed that the scoreline ended up what it did but it’s great for us – we know where we’re at, we know what we’ve got to do, there’s plenty of this season left.”

With club captain Mitch Pearce vying for an Origin spot, he put his hand up and performed well and was named man of the match, drawing praise from Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

“I think the way that he played there, he was pretty instrumental in support play and in delivering some passes and obviously the kick to [Tupou] as well,” said Robinson.

There was also praise galore from Robinson for winger Daniel Tupou.

“That’s just the art of a winger isn’t it? It’s amazing the wingers we’ve got in our game now and how they know to tiptoe down the touchline and put the ball down,” Robinson said.

“He’s funny Toops, I think he put that last one down with his left hand, he’s actually a right hander. If you notice he often scores with his right arm… so that was a nice one-handed put down in the end with the left hand.”

Player of the Game:

3. Mitch Pearce
2. Michael Jennings
1. Boyd Cordner

Sydney Roosters 36 (Tupou 3, Taukeiaho, Cordner, Pearce tries; Maloney 6 goals) defeated Wests Tigers 4 (Halatau try) at Allianz Stadium. Crowd: 14,366. Half-time: Roosters 22-0.

By ricky

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