Big men power Roosters to emotional win over Cowboys

SCG: The look on Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ face when he crashed over for a rare try in the second half was a fitting reward for the Sydney Roosters big bopper who like his side is starting to hum at the right time of year.

Waerea-Hargreaves and fellow front-rower Matt Lodge were excellent for the Chooks at the SCG on Saturday afternoon, as was Victor Radley.

The Kiwi international slammed the ball down and let a giant roar when he scored from close range. It was an important part of the game and the end of a set that was going nowhere.

Radley, who again needed fresh stitches for a cut above his left eye, quipped about Waerea-Hargreaves celebration: “I think he was just jealous because ‘Lodgy’ got one earlier.

“It was an important part in the game. It was a tough game, they [the Cowboys] are a good side, we weren’t at our best, he came on [for a second stint] and made a difference. He got a try at the end of a scrappy set. I know it looks like we won comfortably, but that was a big part of the game and a big moment.”

Waerea-Haregreaves missed game time because of a hamstring issue but has come back looking refreshed. Turning 34 early next year, he continues to have an enviable hunger for big hits and owning the big moments.

James Tedesco, playing his 200th NRL game, congratulates Sam Verrills on his try against the Cowboys.Credit:Getty

So too, Lodge, whose late-season purchase by the Roosters is looking better and better each week.

Radley should not under-lay his own importance to the pack and he set up the first two tries for Joseph Suaalii – who will do well to avoid being fined for a high shot on Tom Dearden – and Lodge. Lodge had not crossed the chalk since 2019.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson is always searching for the perfect 80-minute performance, and knows he is getting closer as we creep towards finals.

“We ran well, we ran powerfully, we kicked fairly well and defended well,” Robinson said. “We did the basics of the game well, and we took our opportunities at different times. I felt like we won the game – but I thought we could have been a bit more ruthless towards the end there.”

Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves celebrates his try against the Cowboys.Credit:NRL Photos

The Roosters were led by James Tedesco who played his 200th NRL game. He is one of the game’s best players who sets the bar so high each week, most fans unintentionally take his performances for granted.

Radley is a good mate of ‘King Ted’ and said: “It’s so good to win for him. He’s done a lot for this club and the game.

“He’s a freak. There’s not much more to say. There are no words to describe how good he is. He’s one of the best Roosters to ever play for the club.”

Radley said he had met Paul Green and the news of his sudden passing at just 49 was “really, really sad”.

He pointed out the club last week played for Gotcha4Life, a charity aimed at mental health programs to prevent suicide, and there was no such thing as not enough being done in that area.

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