The only thing that would have topped the Sydney Roosters win was if Daniel Tupou was awarded a four-pointer to become the greatest try-scorer in the club’s history.
The Roosters produced an excellent opening 40 minutes to set up the convincing 36-18 over the Gold Coast Titans.
Coach Trent Robinson would have been disappointed his side did not go on with it, but the Tricolours banked a much-needed win and kept their finals hopes alive.
Tupou thought he had crossed for a try in the 56th minute and was immediately chaired on to the shoulders of his teammates.
The popular winger thought he had posted his 140th try, one better than Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello, who had flown to the Gold Coast to witness history.
But the bunker intervened, ruling Billy Smith had obstructed Tannah Boyd in the lead-up, and denied Tupou his magical milestone.
Minichiello might want to book another flight to Brisbane next Thursday when Tupou gets another chance to rewrite history.
Roosters prop Lindsay Collins celebrates his first-half try.Credit: Getty
The Roosters will try to upset title heavyweights Brisbane, but will be in for a rude shock if they clock off again.
Every Roosters supporter – and most neutral league fans – have been waiting for the Roosters to kick into gear all season.
At half-time at Cbus Stadium, the Roosters were looking hot leading 30-0. Who knows what happened after the break. They will remain north of the border for the week and have plenty of time to debrief.
Skipper James Tedesco was excellent after being criticised for enjoying a Byron Bay holiday last weekend as the Roosters were pumped by Melbourne. Tedesco has been unfairly targeted all season, be it his club form, efforts under the high ball, or the vice-like grip he had on the NSW No. 1 jersey.
But ‘King Ted’ scored a first-half try, complete with a breakdance celebration, set up a couple, and denied Brian Kelly a four-pointer.
The skipper remains one of the best players in the NRL, and if the Roosters do go on a late run, Tedesco will need to be in the thick of everything.
The Roosters had dropped seven of their nine games since Magic Round, and could have all but put a pen through their campaign had they lost to the Titans.
Evergreen Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was excellent again, as was his front-row partner Lindsay Collins, who scored a try and should have had a second, only to be denied by some magic from Queensland Origin teammate AJ Brimson.
Nat Butcher, another to cross for a try, was placed on report late in the game for a hip-drop tackle on Phillip Sami, but will escape with a fine should he be hit with a grade-one dangerous contact charge.
