In arguably the game of the season so far, a Latrell Mitchell field goal has given the Sydney Roosters a golden point win over the Melbourne Storm.
The 21-20 victory at AAMI Park was set up by a terrific Sitili Tupouniua run and Mitchell did the rest early in golden point.
With plenty of hype surrounding the game as two competition heavyweights went head-to-head, the game lived up to it all.
It was the Roosters with the early running as they overpowered the Storm’s left side defence.
Mitchell had a field day and scored the opening try, after he combined with winger Daniel Tupou.
Other opportunities arose but it would take a further 15 minutes for the next Roosters try.
This time it was Kiwi international Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who powered his way over as the Roosters extended their lead.
A further penalty goal and a James Tedesco try – set up by Mitchell’s run and fends – put the Roosters in a dominating position.
Down but not out, the Storm’s resiliency started to show towards the back end of the first half.
They scored a late try to winger Josh Addo-Carr on the cusp of half-time to give themselves some hope.
The Melbourne club then started the second half stronger of the two sides and they were rewarded.
Two tries in three minutes, one to forward Tui Kamikamica and the other to Curtis Scott, had the game primed and tied at 20-apiece.
Both sides had field goal attempts in the last few minutes of regular time but to no avail.
On the back of Tupouniua’s run, the ball came back to Mitchell on the last and from 40 out, he slotted the field goal, running away celebrating.
Trent Robinson was proud of his side for responding as they did in light of suspensions and injuries.
“I couldn’t be prouder of a group of men,” Robinson said.
“The way they represented the club and the jersey and the way they represented themselves and their family and the way.
“The character of the way they played tonight was exceptional.
“We weren’t perfect. I think we did run out of gas at different times.”
With a short turnaround ahead for the Storm, coach Craig Bellamy knows his side need to put this behind them and be better.
“There will be some important messages for us out of that game,” he said.
“We need to see how we handle them and taken them into our next game.
“Short turnarounds are always pretty tough, but everyone does it.
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Latrell Mitchell
2. Cameron Smith
- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves