Roosters defeat Sea Eagles 40-16 in NRL semi-final at Allianz Stadium
- James Tedesco led the Sydney Roosters to a decisive 40-16 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles in a semi-final match at Allianz Stadium.
- The Roosters established a commanding 20-0 lead early in the game, with Tedesco contributing significantly by scoring two tries and providing two assists.
- This win propels the Roosters into the preliminary final against Melbourne, raising questions about their ability to compete against top teams.
The Sydney Roosters showcased their strength in a semi-final clash against the Manly Sea Eagles, winning 40-16 at Allianz Stadium. Captain James Tedesco was instrumental in the victory, scoring two tries and assisting in two others, demonstrating his ability to lead a depleted team through the finals. The Roosters quickly established a 20-0 lead, capitalizing on early injuries to the Sea Eagles, including a concussion to Tolu Koula and a head injury assessment for Jake Trbojevic. Despite a brief resurgence from Manly, who managed to score before halftime, the Roosters maintained control throughout the match. Tedesco's second try shortly after Manly's score ensured that the Sea Eagles could not mount a comeback. The Roosters' halfback, Sandon Smith, also contributed significantly, scoring a try before the break, which further solidified their lead. Manly's defense struggled to contain the Roosters' offensive onslaught, and their inability to recover from early setbacks proved detrimental. Tom Trbojevic showed signs of improvement from previous injuries, but the team's overall performance was marred by mistakes, including a crucial error following a kickoff. With this victory, the Roosters advance to face Melbourne in the preliminary final, raising concerns about their past performance against top teams. Critics will be watching closely to see if the Roosters can overcome their historical struggles against the Storm and Penrith.