Half hour blitz sees Roosters home

A phenomenal last 30 minutes from the Roosters has seen the Sydney based side score eight unanswered tries to come from behind and record a massive 56-20 victory over the Canberra Raiders this afternoon at Aussie Stadium.

The visiting Raiders looked to be on the verge of a huge upset when they forged ahead by 10 points early in the second half, but that is where there joy ended as the Roosters awoke from their slumber to go on an attacking onslaught that saw the score 46 points in the final half hour of the game.

After conceding 70 points to Newcastle last weekend Canberra made a much brighter start to this match, scoring three tries in the first half to take a well deserved 14-10 lead into the main break and things got even better for them six minutes into the second stanza when lock Alan Tongue crossed for his second try of the match to have the Raiders in prime position to claim the two NRL competition points on offer.

Roosters winger Amos Roberts lifted the home fans spirits in the 51st minute with his second try of the game to get the tricolours back in the match and the crowd was in full voice yet again six minutes later when fullback Anthony Minichiello raced over to put Sydney back in front heading into the final quarter of the match (22-20).

Hooker Brett Finch then gave the Roosters their biggest lead of the game when he snuck over from close range to plant the ball down and just two minutes later the match was as good as over when centre Ryan Cross out leapt Raiders winger Adrian Purtell to claim a try off a wayward Jamie Soward bomb.

With the result beyond doubt the Raiders capitulated badly over the final 12 minutes and the home side capitalised in grand style with Anthony Tupou picking up a brace of tries, Ashley Harrison scoring his first in a Roosters jersey and Minichiello capping off the second half rout in the last minute with his second try of the game.

The Raiders have now conceded 126 points over the last two weeks and Coach Matt Elliott will have his hands full fixing the problem before next Saturday nights clash against the undefeated Penrith Panthers.

Roosters coach Ricky Stuart will also be worried with his side’s trend of trailing at half time, but with fellow slow starters the Manly Sea Eagles on the menu next round a poor opening may not be detrimental to their cause.

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