Round 5, 2023: Sydney Roosters 28 Parramatta 20

Roosters overcome loss of Tedesco to defeat gutsy Eels

The Sydney Roosters overcame the early loss of their captain James Tedesco to post a hard-fought 28-20 win against Parramatta at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

The Eels put in a gusty performance, especially in defence, producing a number of last-ditch, try-saving tackles, but ill-discipline cost them dearly, with two players sent to the sin bin, meaning they played 20 minutes of the first half with 12 men.

Will Penisini was the first to be binned for a professional foul, while the second player was Bailey Simonsson for a late hit on Tedesco, which eventually ruled him out of the game.

The Roosters thought they had the first try early - but it was disallowed due to Luke Keary making contact with the defender Simonsson. However, the Roosters were able to utilise their 13-on-12 advantage soon after after Joseph-Aukuso Suaali'i made a break down the left edge where Penisini would usually defend and ball came to Sam Walker, who produced an overhead pass to Jaxson Paulo. He then turned the ball inside to makeshift centre Drew Hutchison who touched down to score.

The Roosters scored two more tries in the first half, including a telling one just before the break to go into halftime leading 16-2 after the Eels had actually opened the scoring thanks to a Mitchell Moses penalty goal in the 10th minute.

Parramatta skipper Gutherson, who has been in the news lately, played a strong hand for his team throughout the game, producing try-saving defence and scoring his side's first try of the match in the third minute of the second half, which at the time, had threatened to spark an Eels comeback.

However, the night belonged to the Roosters who were able to take the loss of Tedesco in their stride and still put in a polished overall performance.

Suaali'i, another player who has been in the news of late, moved to fullback for the Roosters and performed well, while halfback Walker impressed in his 50th game.

The Eels posted a late consolation tries through Simonsson and Eels fan favourite Maika Sivo to close the final margin.

Match Snapshot
James Tedesco failed his HIA during the first half of the game and did not return after a late tackle from Bailey Simonssen, which resulted him being sent to the sin bin.

Roosters winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaali'i moved to fullback and performed well in place of his captain.

The Eels had two players sent to the sin bin in indiscretions that ultimately proved costly as the side had to defend for 20 minutes in the first half with 12 men.

Parramatta put in a strong performance in defence, despite being on the back foot for much of the game, with some last-ditch tackles preventing the Roosters from posting a bigger winning margin.

The Roosters have now won seven of their past nine games against the Eels.

The Eels have not defeated the Roosters at Allianz Stadium (Moore Park) since 2008.

Eels winger Maika Sivo has now scored five tries in six games against the Roosters.

Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary scored two tries, making up for his interference on defender Simonsson, which had denied his side their first try of the night.

Roosters lock Victor Radley made his 100th NRL appearance, while halfback Sam Walker played in his 50th match.

Play of the Game
While the Eels produced some contenders for play of the game in defence, the Roosters scored plenty of impressive tries to win the game, non more so that their opening try of night which came from a Joseph-Aukuso Suaali'i break and resulted in Drew Hutchinson scoring after some slick passing from his teammates.

What They Said
"I thought we set it up well, we worked really hard in the first half, 16-2, thought that was a good representation of the scoreline, and then we missed our mark in the second half, we didn't defend well enough, we knew they were going to run on the last and ask some of those questions , we could have been better."
- Roosters coach Trent Robinson

"Very happy with the effort and the fight in the team, we have had it for the five games, I know it doesn't look great one win from five games, but our effort and attitude towards our footy has been good, some really costly periods there were we had to do a lot of defence with 12 men for 20 minutes was costly and then in the second half a big block of tryline defence hurt us." - Parramatta coach Brad Arthur

What's Next
The Roosters travel to Melbourne to take on the Storm next Thursday night before hosting the Sharks on April 16 and the Dragons in their annual ANZAC Day clash on April 25. Golden Boot winner Joey Manu will return from suspension against Melbourne, while former Queensland Origin prop Dylan Napa is edging closer to an NRL return after being thrown a lifeline by the Roosters.

The Eels will close out the round on Easter Monday with a game against Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium.

NRL.com