We are under way in Sydney
No time for pre-game on the Roosters and Penrith match. We’re straight into it after that dramatic finish across the ditch.
Is tonight when Penrith break their horror run? It’s remarkable to think they haven’t won since Las Vegas.
I’m tipping a double from Mark Nawaqanitawase in the centres but Penrith to get back in the winner’s circle with a narrow win.
Watch Metcalf’s 50-metre match-winner
‘It’s unreal’: Warriors win after major Walsh blunder in golden point
Wow. Scenes in Auckland.
With scores level, Reece Walsh (with “howling winds up his clacker”, according to Michael Ennis), kicks out on the full beyond the dead ball line. You wouldn’t read about it.
The Warriors get the penalty and Luke Metcalf steps up and boots a 50-metre shot at goal to win the game in golden point. Never looked like missing.
A brutal one for Walsh as his Broncos go down 20-18.
“It’s unreal,” Metcalf said. “I missed the field-goal … but it was so cool to ice that moment. We practise those kicks. No need to be nervous.”
Warriors try-scorers: Leka Halasima (30′), Edward Kosi (51′), Luke Metcalf (60′), Marata Niukore (64′)
Broncos try-scorers: Billy Walters (3′), Jesse Arthars (66′), Reece Walsh (73′)
We’re going to golden point in Auckland
The Warriors and Broncos can’t be split. 18-18 after 80 minutes.
Roosters and Panthers isn’t far away.
Reece Walsh scores a try against the Warriors. Credit: Getty Images
‘That might be you one day’: How NRL boss predicted the future of Roosters’ new star
By Christian Nicolussi
The half-time entertainment on grand final day in 2007 featured a player from the past, a player from the present, and a five-year-old dubbed a player of the future carrying the Provan-Summons Trophy on to the stage.
South Sydney great Jack Rayner was the former great. Darren Lockyer was the current champion. And a little blond-haired kid wearing the Coogee Dolphins jersey was none other than Hugo Savala.
Hugo Savala (second from right) with James Maloney in the Roosters sheds in 2015.
Savala will be wearing the Sydney Roosters’ No.7 jersey against premiers Penrith on Saturday night in just his fifth NRL game.
Ahead of the match, his mother, Teresa, recalled how Hugo was selected to join Rayner and Lockyer at the grand final because the NRL wanted the Dolphins to be represented to mark the five-year anniversary of the club losing six of its members in the Bali bombings.
She also remembered that Hugo – the second eldest of her four children – had to travel to Sydney Olympic Park a few times that week for rehearsals.
Lockyer had undergone knee surgery and hobbled while carrying the heavy silverware.
“I remember seeing Hugo’s little hands waving while he was treading all over Jack’s feet,” Teresa said.
Could the Panthers dynasty be over?
By Adrian Proszenko
There was a time, not so long ago, when the Roosters just couldn’t beat Penrith.
For seven long years, the tri-colours couldn’t eke out a win, but Trent Robinson’s men now have the chance to beat the premiers twice in five weeks. Should that transpire, I’m declaring the Penrith dynasty over.
Yes, they’re a good enough side to go on a winning streak and perhaps squeak into the top eight.
Billy Smith celebrates scoring for the Sydney Roosters against the Brisbane Broncos.Credit: NRL Photos
Late mail: how the teams stack up
Some slight team changes for the Roosters tonight as per the club.
“Victor Radley moves to second row and Salesi Foketi takes the starting lock position. Chad Townsend will be the 18th man.”
Penrith are unchanged.
Roosters starting team: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Robert Toia, Dominic Young, Sandon Smith, Hugo Savala, Nat Butcher, Connor Watson, Naufahu Whyte, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Salesi Foketi.
Roosters bench: Zach Dockar-Clay, Blake Steep, Spencer Leniu, Taylor Losalu.
18th man: Chad Townsend.
Penrith starting team: Dylan Edwards, Paul Alamoti, Luke Garner, Casey McLean, Thomas Jenkins, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Scott Sorensen, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo.
Penrith bench: Brad Schneider, Isaiah Papali’i, Liam Henry, Izack Tago.
18th man: Daine Laurie.
Victor Radley will be hoping for a big game tonight. Credit: Getty Images
How does this match play out?
Hello and welcome
G’day league fans.
It’s Tom Decent in the hot seat tonight in the Coogee bureau, ready to serve up everything the great game of rugby league has to offer.
Roosters against the Panthers. Lots at stake. One team wanting to prove themselves. The other desperate for a win after five losses on the trot.
The great Christian Nicolussi is on deck at Allianz Stadium and will be providing a few thoughts shortly.
We’ve also got one eye on the first match of the day (Warriors are locked at 6-6 with the Broncos).
Grab some food and/or a drink. It’s going to be a good night.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary.Credit: Getty Images
