The Sharks gave the Roosters a late scare at Pointsbet Stadium, making a great comeback after the Tricolors held a 20-0 lead at halftime.
But Trent Robinson’s side came out on top with a 36-16 lead, putting Craig Fitzgibbon’s side in the first half.
With Origin Nearby, James Tedesco put together one of the most complete performances of the first half of the year, recording one try and two try assists.
MATCH CENTER: Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters, teams, live results
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“The origin must be just around the corner, Superman in that first half … the guy was on fire,” said Fox League’s Cooper Cronk.
Winger Daniel Tupou crossed to get an early double, before Nat Butcher and Tedesco scored four points in the first 40-minute period.
Nearby Jared Waerea-Hargreaves scored the first of the second half before the Sharks put together 20 minutes of quality football.
Ronaldo Mulitalo, Sione Katoa and Cameron McInnes crossed with 15 minutes.
But the comeback was nothing, as Roosters utility Connor Watson and star center Joey Many put the icing on the cake with late attempts.
Loaded rabbits wipe out tigers 02:44
Here are the big conclusions of tonight’s match!
MASTER BETTER THE LEARNER
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has outscored his former assistant Craig Fitzgibbon.
The current Sharks coach was a member of the Tricolors for an incredibly successful period, spending 10 years at the Sydney club after a brilliant playing career.
“It’s a battle between the teacher and the apprentice … Craig Fitzgibbon faces his mentor Trent Robinson,” Fox League Jake Duke said.
“Together they won three prime ministers, four junior prime ministers and three world club challenges.”
The Fitzgibbon’s Sharks have become one of the nominees for the premiere, with Nicho Hynes leading his troops to seven wins in 12 games.
Now, Robinson has given the Cronulla team a reality test in the form of a 36-16 victory, although the Sharks are back late.
The Sharks gave the victory to the Tricolors in the first half, as the Roosters comfortably found space at the edges while also cutting in the middle.
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ROOSTERS RESPOND TO CRITICISM
Roosters in early 2022 left fans and experts scratching their heads.
The pairing of Luke Keary and Sam Walker, who was estimated to be one of the best in the competition, was not working, and the Tricolors season was almost canceled.
But now, after beating the Sharks at home, the Roosters have responded to the criticism by sending a statement of intent to the leaders of the ladder.
“Maybe they’re a little closer to the brand than we give them credit for,” Dan Ginnane said.
“A lot of questions were asked about the Roosters, are they the real deal, can they win first place, can they even reach the top four?” Alexander asked.
“Their media have been questioned, their halves have been questioned, the pace of their attack, I’ve heard a lot of talk that the Roosters are clumsy, that’s not tonight, tonight the pace is there.
“Everything is working tonight, from the side to the forwards.”
But Trent Robinson will not be completely satisfied with his team’s performance for a full 80 minutes, allowing the Sharks to return to play for a 20-minute stretch in the second half.
After the big win, the Roosters have overtaken the Sharks on the competition ladder, rising to fifth place.
The knights endure the dying warriors | 01:10
DINES PLUSH OT
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler would have barely been able to contain his excitement after James Tedesco returned to his best brilliance against rivals in the Premier Sharks.
Only in the first half did the Blues record ridiculous stats, in addition to scoring a try in their last five games at the start of the Origin period.
“James Tedesco’s devastating first half; one try, one line break, two assist tries and he’s already run for 99 yards and he’s been in top form, ”Jake Duke said.
“He has now scored one try in five games in a row, seven tries in his last five games.”
As always, Tedesco represents the Blues and Cooper Cronk of the Fox League noted that the Roosters winger will have an eye on the opening of the series.
“The origin must be just around the corner, Superman in that first half … the guy was on fire,” Cooper Cronk said.
“It’s been in and out of everything, hard work and delicacy, it’s been great.”
Tedesco finished with 205 meters running, seven breaks, one try, two assists and three discharges in a full display against the Sharks.
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